TEMPE, Ariz. (Feb. 21, 2014) – Sundt/Stacy and Witbeck (SSWJV), a joint venture of Sundt Construction, Inc. and Stacy and Witbeck, developed a mobile app for Phoenix-area residents and businesses affected by the construction of a 3.2-mile extension of Valley Metro’s existing light rail facilities.
SSWJV launched the app for the $158.7 million Northwest Extension project as part of its ongoing effort to find innovative ways of helping local businesses stay connected with customers during the challenges of construction.
“We work to help businesses in any way that we can during construction,” said Cade Rowley, Sundt’s business development manager for heavy civil projects. “That includes looking for new ideas and tools, like a phone app, that other contractors may not be using.”
The concept for the app evolved from the joint venture’s existing business assistance efforts. While the general contractors were printing discount cards and other incentives to boost local business, they were unable to track the success of these efforts. Administrative assistant Shelly Marena, who was taking computer programming courses at the time, volunteered to take the lead on developing a mobile app, although she had not created one before.
“Shelly’s can-do attitude and technical ability helped us launch a useful app that the local businesses and residents appreciate and actually utilize,” noted Rowley.
The app has been downloaded more than 70 times just through word-of-mouth marketing. Business owners have mentioned the app is helping them stay connected with customers during construction.
Appropriately titled “NWExtension,” the app is available for free in the Apple iTunes store and includes project updates, coupons, business promotions, route information, community-group information and traffic impacts throughout the construction zone.
Once the project is complete in early 2016, the Northwest Extension is expected to serve approximately 5,000 riders per day. SSWJV has built more than half of the original 20-mile starter section of the Valley Metro Light Rail transit system. The joint venture also built the system’s maintenance and operations facility in Phoenix.
About Sundt
Sundt Construction, Inc. is one of the country’s largest and most respected general contractors. Known nationally for its innovative approach to construction services, the firm is currently ranked the 64th largest construction company in the United States by ENR, the industry’s principal trade magazine.
About Stacy and Witbeck
Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest urban heavy civil contractors and one of the nation’s leading light rail, commuter rail and streetcar transit specialists. The company is recognized throughout the construction industry for its ability to manage complex urban projects while creating a cooperative relationship with owners, stakeholders, subcontractors and the communities in which it works. www.stacywitbeck.com