When the Army Corps of Engineers asked Ohio’s Apex Accelerator to help to promote a riverbank stabilization project, Karen Wivell had a good idea who to contact.  Nerone and Sons, Inc. is a successful contractor based in Warrensville Heights. After doing projects in the Cleveland area for more than 70 years, the company recently began pursuing federal construction projects as a strategy to further build their business.

The goal of the $3.86 million project was to repair and protect an erosion-damaged slope between Banks Street and the Grand River in Painesville, Ohio. Without this work, continued loss of soil would threaten public utilities and residents’ homes, as well as the river’s water quality. “Keeping people, homes, infrastructure, and the environment safe is something we’re incredibly proud to do,” said Lt. Col. Colby Krug, Army Corps of Engineers District commander.

However, such a large project includes numerous requirements. Karen Wivell and the Cleveland Area Apex Accelerator worked with Christine Peters, Nerone and Sons’ Contract Administrator, to find the necessary resources and information, including navigating the RMS system utilized by the Army Corps, with which Nerone & Sons were unfamiliar. They ultimately won the contract.

“Working with the USACE was a bit challenging” says Peters. “There are special procedures that must be followed, such as learning the RMS software, safety requirements and specialized personnel needed on every project.” Despite the challenges, they successfully completed the project and are looking forward to their next endeavor with the Army Corps. She concluded, “We also want to give special thanks to PTAC/Apex Accelerator for their help.”

The completed shoreline stabilization project along Bank Street and the Grand River in Painesville, Ohio, Aug. 8, 2023.

(Courtesy photos by City of Painesville, Ohio)