This past weekend, the picturesque town of Kerrville, Texas, once again played host to the Annual Kerrville Fall Conference, a much-anticipated event in the field of land surveying. Organized by Hill Country Land Surveyor Seminars, this continuing education seminar drew professionals from all over the Lone Star State for a weekend filled with invaluable insights, networking opportunities, and a strong sense of community.

A Journey into Knowledge and Professional Growth

The heart of the conference lay in its dedication to fostering continuous learning among Texas land surveyors. Over the course of the weekend, participants engaged in a comprehensive review of the Texas Land Surveying Practices Act. This provided attendees with a thorough understanding of the regulatory framework governing their profession, ensuring they stay on the right side of the law while delivering high-quality surveying services to the state.

In addition to the Act review, participants were treated to an update on the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyor Rules. This update offered a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of rules and regulations that surveyors must navigate in their daily practice.

Furthermore, the conference facilitated an engaging ethics discussion. Ethics lie at the heart of the surveying profession, and this session allowed attendees to delve into the moral and professional considerations that guide their work. It was an opportunity for surveyors to reflect on their roles as stewards of land and society, emphasizing the importance of integrity and ethical decision-making.

Voices from the Conference

What truly makes the Kerrville Fall Conference special is the positive impact it leaves on its participants. Here’s what some of the attendees had to say:

• “Thank everyone for the hard work in putting this seminar together. By far and away the very best class available. I’ll be back as long as y’all keep putting it on.”
• “Well prepared, looking forward to next year.”
• “Informal/flowing interaction between instructors and attendees is extremely beneficial.”
• “Really enjoy the opportunity to listen to 2 very knowledgeable surveyors.”
• “Table exercise/discussion was very good – do more next year.”
• “Great interaction between participants.”

These testimonials highlight the immense value and appreciation attendees have for the conference. The combination of expert instruction, interactive sessions, and the camaraderie among professionals creates an environment that nurtures both personal and professional growth.

Looking Ahead to the Future

The Kerrville Fall Conference continues to be a beacon of excellence in the land surveying community. As we conclude this year’s event, we eagerly anticipate the next installment. David A. Vilbig, P.E., R.P.L.S., and Ben Thomson, R.P.L.S., L.S.L.S., P.E, the brilliant minds behind this conference, have consistently delivered a top-notch experience. Special thanks to Don and Lee Voelkel with Hill Country Land Surveying Seminars for organizaing the registration and logistics.

Keep your calendars open, as we look forward to the announcement of the save-the-date for the Kerrville Fall Conference in 2024. Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your knowledge, engage with fellow professionals, and contribute to the thriving land surveying community in Texas. David and Ben have more in store for you, and you won’t want to miss it! Stay tuned for updates and get ready for another unforgettable weekend of learning, networking, and inspiration in Kerrville.

Are you passionate about land surveying and eager to expand your knowledge in this field? Mark your calendars for Friday, September 29th, and Saturday, September 30th, as the picturesque town of Kerrville, Texas, plays host to the 23rd Annual Kerrville Fall Conference. Presented by Hill Country Land Surveyors Seminars, this event promises to be a milestone in your professional journey.

Surveying Essentials Seminar:

The main highlights of this conference is the Surveying Essentials Seminar—an interactive 12-hour session that spans both Friday and Saturday. This seminar is carefully designed to equip you with essential knowledge and skills in the field of land surveying. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, there’s something here for everyone.

Comprehensive Curriculum:

The Surveying Essentials Seminar covers a wide range of topics crucial for any land surveyor. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

1. Ethics Hour: Ensuring professional integrity is a cornerstone of any successful surveyor’s career. This seminar will dedicate at least one hour to explore ethical considerations, emphasizing the importance of honesty, transparency, and accountability in your work.
2. Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Rules: Understanding the rules and regulations governing your profession is paramount. Spend quality time delving into the intricacies of these rules to ensure you’re always in compliance.
3. Texas Land Surveying Practices Act: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Texas Land Surveying Practices Act, a crucial aspect of your work as a surveyor. This knowledge will empower you to navigate complex legal and regulatory issues with confidence.

Interactive Learning:

Learning is most effective when it’s engaging and interactive. The Surveying Essentials Seminar incorporates various teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, and interative discussions. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your newfound knowledge in practical scenarios, enhancing your skills and boosting your confidence.

Networking and Community:

Apart from the invaluable knowledge you’ll gain, this conference provides an excellent platform for networking. Connect with fellow land surveyors, share experiences, and build professional relationships that can last a lifetime. The sense of community in events like these is truly inspiring.

Save the Dates:

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to elevate your surveying career. Mark your calendars for Friday, September 29th, and Saturday, September 30th. The 23rd Annual Kerrville Fall Conference promises to be a transformative experience, packed with knowledge, networking, and professional growth.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Kerrville for this unforgettable event!

Kerville Kroc Center
201 Holdsorth Drive
Kerrville, Texas

More details and registration information is availble in the seminar flier.

Meet the Presenters:

Ben Thomson R.P.L.S., L.S.L.S., P.E.
Ben is a graduate of Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering degree, Class of ‘59. He has been active in the surveying and engineering professions since 1960. Dates of licensure include R.P.L.S.- 1965, P.E. – 1967, and L.S.L.S. – 1971. He is also a licensed surveyor in Colorado. Prior to being employed by the Texas General Land Office (GLO). he was active in surveying and engineering in all phases of land development. Subsequently he was with TxDOT for several years preparing right of way maps and highway plans and supervising all phases of highway construction. Entering full time private practice in surveying and engineering in 1972 he worked in many areas of the state and was a frequent researcher in the records of the GLO. He was employed at the GLO in March of 1988 and became Director of Surveying in September of that year, a position he held for 18 years. He was promoted to Senior Land Surveyor in September of 2006 and retained that position until retirement in 2008. His 20 years of experience at the GLO included supervision and performance of survey work on state lands with substantial work on littoral and riparian boundaries, assessment, review, and retracement of state land boundaries, review of private survey work submitted to the state for various purposes, extensive gradient boundary experience on streams throughout the state, assessment and handling of vacant land and excess land matters, court appearances on boundary litigation, and extensive research in the records of the GLO. Since retiring from the GLO he has returned to the full time practice of surveying and engineering at his office in Junction. He holds the distinction of being the longest serving member of the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying, serving from 1977 to 2006. He is a life member of TSPS and served on its Board of Directors 1973-1980. He has served on the surveying exam committee of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying since 1990 and chaired that committee for one year.

David A. Vilbig, P.E., R.P.L.S.
David is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering degree in 1977. He became licensed as a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (No. 3989) – Texas in 1981 and a Registered Professional Engineer (No. 67207) – Texas in 1990. He is also a Registered Professional Engineer in Colorado, Louisiana, Missouri and Oklahoma, and on the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. David is a Managing Member of Vilbig & Associates, P.L.L.C. and is directly responsible for the firm’s engineering and surveying operations. Likewise, he presides over the management of business matters of the company. David founded the company in 1981and continues to play a hands-on role in the growth and development of the firm. David’s career reflects over 30 years of professional land surveying and civil engineering experience in connection with airport, military and civil public works projects, as well as corporate land development activities for residential, commercial and industrial projects. His diversified experience encompasses large scale residential and apartment developments, including shopping centers and industrial parks. David was appointed by Governor Clements to the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveyors (1989-1994) and was former vice chairman. He was also appointed to the Advisory Committee for Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi-Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science. His technical presentations include Land Law Conferences of Texas with James Johnson (2002 and 2006), Texas Society of Professional Engineers Annual Conference with James Johnson (2006), Texas Society of Professional Surveyors Technical Presentation-Annual Conference (2011), and Hill Country Land Surveyors Seminar with Ben Thomson (2022).

Imagine a sunny Saturday, the gentle lapping of water against your boat, and the thrill of a fishing line tugging with a potential catch. That’s precisely what attendees experienced on Saturday, June 24th, at the inaugural Striper Fishing Tournament organized by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers Northeast Texas Chapter. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Texoma, this event promised a day filled with friendly competition and the joy of reeling in the big one.

Fierce Competition:

With eighteen enthusiastic participants, the competition was fierce right from the start. Each angler brought their A-game, armed with the hopes of landing the most impressive catch of the day. The anticipation hung in the air as the boats set sail, lines cast, and the tournament commenced.

David Vilbig’s Triumph:

In the end, it was David Vilbig”s exceptional skill and a bit of luck that secured him the coveted title. He managed to haul in a remarkable 9-pound striped bass, which left both fellow competitors and onlookers in awe. David’s dedication to the craft and his understanding of the lake’s ecosystem played a pivotal role in his success, making him a well-deserved champion.

Dennis Wade’s Impressive Run:

While David undoubtedly claimed the top spot, it’s essential to acknowledge the impressive performance of Dennis Wade, who emerged as a close runner-up. His dedication to the tournament and his sportsmanship throughout the day earned him the respect of his peers. Dennis’s skill was evident, and his catch was nothing short of remarkable, making him a fierce contender.

More Than Just a Tournament:

Beyond the excitement of the competition, this event served as an excellent opportunity for networking and fostering camaraderie among professionals in the engineering community. Bonds were formed, stories shared, and knowledge exchanged, all while basking in the beauty of Lake Texoma.

A Scholarship with Purpose:

The tournament was more than just a fishing event; it was a means to raise funds for a scholarship. The Texas Society of Professional Engineers Northeast Texas Chapter understands the importance of investing in the education of budding engineers. Scholarships can be life-changing, opening doors of opportunity for young, aspiring engineers who have a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence.

Investing in the Future:

The funds generated from the tournament will go directly towards establishing a scholarship with the Texas Engineering Foundation that will benefit deserving students at Texas A&M Commerce pursuing engineering degrees. This act of philanthropy is a testament to the chapter’s dedication not only to their profession but also to the larger community and the future of engineering.

A Day to Remember:

The first annual Striper Fishing Tournament on Lake Texoma will undoubtedly go down as a memorable event for the Texas Society of Professional Engineers Northeast Texas Chapter. It not only celebrated the love for fishing but also showcased the talent and determination of its members. As the sun set on Lake Texoma that day, it marked not just the end of a tournament but the beginning of a tradition that will be cherished for years to come.

Looking Ahead:

As the success of this inaugural event sets a high bar, there’s no doubt that future tournaments will be even more exciting and competitive. Anglers will be gearing up, sharpening their skills, and eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to cast their lines into the pristine waters of Lake Texoma.

Stay tuned for updates on future events, as the Texas Society of Professional Engineers Northeast Texas Chapter continues to bring together professionals for thrilling competitions and meaningful connections. It’s a reminder that even in the world of engineering, there’s always time to enjoy the simple pleasure of a day out on the water, chasing the elusive striped bass.

We hope you can join us at our office on Thursday, March 23rd from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm for a business after hours to celebrate our 40^th anniversary!

We will have light bites and drinks.

Hosted in partnership with the Denison Chamber of Commerce.

Vilbig & Associates
517 W Woodard Street
Denison, Texas 75020

On Thursday, December 8th, 2022, Vilbig & Associates hosted the Northeast Texas Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) annual holiday party and dessert competition. The event brought together engineers from across the region to celebrate the holiday season and engage in stimulating discussions on ethics and engineering practices.

The party featured a fajita buffet catered by Rustico’s, a local restaurant in Denison, Texas, that provided a variety of savory dishes for attendees to enjoy. The food was a hit among the engineers, and it was the perfect fuel to keep everyone going throughout the evening.

The highlight of the night was the dessert competition. With over 20 entries, the competition was more significant than in previous years, and the engineers were ready to show off their baking skills. After the first round of voting, there was a two-way tie for first place, which led to a second round of voting to determine the ultimate winner.

In the end, Gary Ballard, PE, emerged as the winner of the competition with his mouth-watering amaretto tiramisu. The dessert was a crowd favorite, and everyone enjoyed a slice of the delicious treat.

Aside from the delicious food and dessert, the party also featured an ethics discussion that provided engineers in attendance with the required one hour of ethics continuing education credit. The discussion centered around several recent cases from the National Society of Professional Engineers Board of Ethical Review, prompting thought-provoking debates and discussions on the ethical responsibilities of engineers.

Overall, the event was a great success, bringing together engineers from various fields and specialties for a night of networking, fun, and education. The Northeast Texas Chapter of TSPE is already looking forward to next year’s event and hoping to make it even bigger and better.

The Grayson County Commissioners Court passed an order on August 8, 2021 to modify the On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) Rules to allow for half-acre lots in certain circumstances. Read the full order here: https://agendasuite.org/iip/grayson/file/getfile/4094

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulates septic permits in the state of Texas. The last sentence of the order states: “This order shall be in full force and effect from and after its date of approval as required by law and upon the approval of the TCEQ”.

Since last year, TCEQ requested some changes to the wording, and another vote was held last month. Read the full amended order here: https://agendasuite.org/iip/grayson/file/getfile/8695.

The county is still waiting on a response from TCEQ.

A recent news article by KTEN reported on the approval. Read more here: https://www.kten.com/story/44494747/smaller-lots-could-bring-more-affordable-housing-to-grayson-county

March 31, 2022 – Denison, Texas

Vilbig & Associates celebrated 5 years in Denison and 39 years in business with an open house and business after hours.  In conjunction with the Denison Chamber of Commerce we hosted nearly 100 visitors for light bites and drinks during the gathering on Thursday March 31, 2022.

The Sign Gypsies of Texoma decorated the front lawn with congratulatory signage. Local caterer, Knife and Whisk, provided excellent bites and local winery, Hidden Hanger, provided award winning wines. 

At the open house, we announced the opening of our second office location in Plano.

About Vilbig & Associates

Founded in 1983, Vilbig and Associates, PLLC (VA) is a professional services firm specializing in the design and delivery of consulting civil engineering, land planning, construction management and surveying services. We serve our clients in the north Texas area and surrounding states for both the public and private sectors. We are a certified Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) providing services for NAICS 541330, Engineering Services and 541370, Surveying & Mapping. Our Cage Code is 8KH40 and Duns is 117494418. Our corporate office is located in Denison, Grayson County, Texas. Our second office is located in Plano, Collin County, Texas. We are well-positioned to serve clients throughout the Dallas and Fort Worth metroplex.

We are continuing the Vilbig tradition of building our communities while serving our clients, profession and country since 1886.

Last week, David A. Vilbig, PE, RPLS and Barbara J. Vilbig, PE toured the American Spiral Weld Pipe plant in Paris, Texas with the Northeast Texas Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. Below is a gallery of pictures from the tour.

Video of steel pipe moving at the American Spiral Weld Pipe Plant in Paris, Texas

About TSPE

The Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) is a state society of the National Society of Professional Engineers.

The Texas Society of Professional Engineers, one of the largest state societies in the United States, was founded in 1936 to serve the interests of the individual engineer in Texas across all branches of engineering. Composed of 24 local chapters and eight student chapters, TSPE is the only active, established organization devoting its entire effort to the professional, ethical, economic, social and political aspects of engineering in Texas.

Our mission is to promote and enhance the profession and licensed practice of engineering.

About Northeast Texas Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers

The Northeast Texas – Texas Society of Professional Engineers is a local chapter of the state society, see more below. The NE Texas TSPE Chapter meets monthly in various locations the the Grayson County area. The meetings are typically held on the second Thursday of the month. For more information and to be added to the chapter’s e-mail list, please send and e-mail to  NE.TEXAS.TSPE@gmail.com.

About AMERICAN PLANT

American Spiral Weld Pipe is a division of American Cast Iron Pipe Co. In addition to American Ductile Iron Pipe, American Darling and Waterous Valves and Fire Hydrants, they manufacture steel pipe per AWWA C200. The location in Paris, Texas, expanded operations in May of 2021, opening a steel pipe plant.

Jennifer Vilbig Lawson, PE, has been named the 2021 Young Engineer of the Year by Society of Military Engineers (SAME) – Dallas Post. The award recognizes younger members of the profession who have made outstanding contributions to the society and profession.

Ms. Lawson received her Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 2007. She began her career in Dallas working for an international design firm on oil and gas and federal projects. She joined Vilbig & Associates in 2013 and progressed from a design engineer to her current role as a project manager.

“I am honored to be recognized as the 2021 Young Engineer of the Year for the Society of American Military Engineers, Dallas Post. I am very passionate about giving back to my community and advocating both for my country and profession.” Said Ms. Lawson.

Ms. Lawson currently serves as the SAME Dallas Post secretary. In addition, Ms. Lawson is the past president of the Dallas Section of the Society of Women Engineers, is a member of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) and serves on the state committee for young engineers for TSPE.

“Jennifer is an accomplished project engineer with a wealth of experience ideally suited to help grow and develop young engineers and architects. In a very short time, Jennifer has made a lasting and positive impact on the post’s K-12 STEM program. She has also strengthened our relationship with local university engineering programs, she is a true inspiration to young people interested in STEM careers.” stated SAME Post President/Member of the Year Noelle Ibrahim

Learn more about Ms. Lawson’s journey to become an engineer, SAME and Vilbig & Associates in the video.

Ms. Lawson enjoys leisure time with her husband Paul and long runs with her favorite running companion, Sadie, a Jack Russell terrier.

Ms. Lawson was honored at the annual TSPE Engineers Week annual awards luncheon in February. A gallery of pictures from the event is below.

About SAME

Founded in 1920, the Society of American Military Engineers builds leaders and leads collaboration among government and industry to develop multi-disciplined solutions to national security infrastructure challenges. With a National Office in Alexandria, Va., and more than 100 Posts and Field Chapters around the world, the Society unites public and private sector individuals and organizations from across the architecture, engineering, construction, environmental and facility management, cyber security, and contracting and acquisition disciplines. Through a vision to serve our nation as the foremost integrator for leadership development and technical collaboration within the A/E/C profession, SAME is committed to strengthening industry-government engagement and developing and sustaining the human capital needed to maintain America’s engineering capabilities throughout the 21st century.

About SAME Dallas Post

The Dallas Post of SAME builds upon the national organization to strengthen collaboration locally between government and industry. The Posts hosts monthly professional development and networking lunches, holds several annual summits and forums, awards scholarships and supports K-12 STEM outreach.

About Vilbig & Associates, PLLC

Founded in 1983, Vilbig and Associates, PLLC (VA) is a professional services firm specializing in the design and delivery of consulting civil engineering, land planning, construction management and surveying services. We serve our clients in the north Texas area and surrounding states for both the public and private sectors. We are a certified Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) providing services for NAICS 541330, Engineering Services and 541370, Surveying & Mapping. Our Cage Code is 8KH40 and Duns is 117494418. Our office is located in Denison, Grayson County, Texas; we are well-positioned to provide services to the Dallas-Fort Worth mextroplex and south central states with several team members based in Collin County.

We are continuing the Vilbig tradition of building our communities while serving our clients, profession and country since 1886.