As we step into 2025, we sat down with Houston Daugherty, CEO of Cannon & Cannon, Inc. (CCI) to reflect on the milestones of 2024 and explore what lies ahead for the engineering consulting industry. From a renewed focus on public infrastructure to the continued trends of sustainability and smarter technologies, Houston shared his perspective on the trends shaping the future and the essential skills engineers will need to succeed. He also shared how CCI is set to make a lasting impact on East Tennessee’s growth and progress in the year ahead. Looking back at 2024, what were the biggest achievements in engineering for the markets CCI serves, and how might they shape the year ahead? Generally speaking, I believe the greatest achievements in engineering not only for CCI-specific markets but for the country as a whole are the continued and increasing work on public infrastructure. From the water we drink to the roads and bridges we travel on, the engineering community's efforts to address this increasing demand represent a great achievement for the long term. What’s one skill or mindset that you think will be essential for engineers in 2025? The principles of engineering are well established and are age old.  However, the methodology for the application of those principles has a tendency to change on occasion. I'm a little hesitant to go to the AI (artificial intelligence) answer that everyone seems to be offering up these days, however, if viewed for what it is rather than what it isn’t, I believe that engineers can and should leverage computing power to advance the industry while making tremendous strides for public welfare. By the way, there is nothing really “artificial” about AI as we use it today. It is information that is there and waiting to be cultivated. Information [...]

As utility providers face growing demands for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, new technologies are revolutionizing how electricity is generated, distributed, and consumed. How are these changes transforming the industry? What opportunities are emerging for utilities to adapt and thrive? This is where the future of energy takes shape. In this series, we’ll explore the cutting-edge solutions reshaping electric distribution—and the savings, efficiency, and sustainability they bring. Renewable Energy Integration As the push for sustainability grows, integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind has become essential. This transition is facilitated by: Reduced Generation Costs: Innovations in materials, manufacturing at scale, and energy storage have made renewable energy sources much more affordable, leading to lower generation costs for utilities and lower prices for consumers. Furthermore, utilities can reduce their reliance on costly fossil fuels, which are often more expensive due to fluctuating fuel prices, transportation costs, and emissions compliance fees. Enhanced Grid Management: Solar and wind generation is dependent on weather and therefore variable. Smart technologies such as advanced sensors, real-time data analytics, and automated controls to monitor and adjust energy flows dynamically allow for better integration of variable renewable sources, stabilizing the grid and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These systems can predict fluctuations in renewable energy output based on weather forecasts and balance the grid by redistributing power where it's needed most. For instance, when solar panels produce excess energy on a sunny day, smart grids can store the surplus in batteries or shift it to areas experiencing higher demand. Cannon & Cannon, Inc (CCI) has worked on various integration solutions for clients, including incorporating solar arrays into a veteran housing project and conducting rate studies to ensure solar integration would be financially viable. Smart Grids: Enhancing Efficiency and Reliability Real-time monitoring [...]

Wesley Stokes, an engineer with Cannon & Cannon, Inc. (CCI), recently presented on the intricacies of 4-way stops at the TCAPWA/SWANA Conference. Following the event, Wesley had the opportunity to share a written version of his presentation in the November issue of Tennessee Public Works Magazine, summarized below.  Challenges of 4-Way Stops 4-way stops are often used at intersections to manage traffic in lower-volume areas. However, they can lead to delays, unnecessary stops, and increased driver frustration, especially in areas with high traffic flow or irregular driver behavior. Overuse of 4-way stops may also contribute to congestion and emissions, as vehicles are required to stop even when the intersection is clear. Roundabouts and Traffic Signals Roundabouts and traffic signals are alternatives that may provide smoother traffic flow. Roundabouts, for instance, promote continuous movement, reducing the chance of high-speed collisions and improving fuel efficiency by minimizing stops. Signals, on the other hand, can control traffic more effectively at complex intersections and in high-traffic areas, ensuring safer and more predictable traffic flow. Best Uses of 4-Way Stops 4-way stops are most effective on lower-volume roads and in residential areas where drivers are familiar with the stop-go pattern. They are also useful as a temporary solution while more complex traffic control methods are implemented. For intersections with higher traffic volumes or specific needs, roundabouts and signals often serve as more effective, long-term solutions. Selecting the appropriate control method is crucial for enhancing road safety, reducing delays, and promoting efficient traffic flow. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach, communities can make informed choices to best meet their unique traffic needs. You can read Wesley's full article on page 26 of the magazine here. If you are interested in learning more about how CCI help deliver your transportation|traffic projects you can [...]

Last week, Cannon & Cannon, Inc. (CCI) was proud to participate in the ACEC Tennessee Engineering Excellence Awards Gala, showcasing our work for the Town of Collierville. For over 18 years, we’ve partnered with Collierville to develop, update, and maintain the town’s water and sewer systems, ensuring sustainable growth and a reliable utility infrastructure. Our work in Collierville has included creating and managing hydraulic models for water and wastewater, conducting system audits, and providing capacity analyses to support new developments responsibly. This collaboration has been key to Collierville’s ability to grow while maintaining high-quality utility services that meet the needs of residents and local businesses. While we were honored with an award for our work on this project, we’re especially grateful for the long-standing relationship we’ve built with the Town of Collierville and are committed to supporting their needs well into the future. Reach out to our team of engineers to find out how we can help with your future projects. CONTACT US

Last week Cannon & Cannon, Inc. (CCI) proudly attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new parking garage at McGhee Tyson Airport. This $190 million project, inspired by the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, is set to transform airport parking, adding 3,500 new spaces across six levels and enhancing the overall experience for travelers. The garage is scheduled for completion in Spring 2027. The CCI Transportation | Traffic teams were responsible for the roadway design and traffic pattern planning, ensuring seamless integration with the new garage. Our team developed comprehensive signage plans and maintained a traffic management strategy to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow throughout the construction phase. We are honored to have collaborated on this innovative project for McGhee Tyson Airport and look forward to seeing its completion. Get in touch with our engineering team to find out how we can help facilitate your upcoming projects. CONTACT US

We are honored to have received an award for distinguished service at the Diversity Business Enterprise (DBE) Award Ceremony on September 19th. This award, reflects CCI's commitment to assisting the City in achieving its core priorities, including Public Safety, Healthy & Connected Neighborhoods, a Clean & Resilient Future, Thriving Businesses & Good Jobs, and Good Governance. We are grateful to the City of Knoxville for this prestigious recognition. If you are interested in learning what CCI does you can find out more on our projects page or get in touch with our engineering experts.

Happy National Public Works Week! (May 19-May 25) At CCI, we're proud to celebrate the dedication and hard work of all the incredible individuals who contribute to building and maintaining our communities' infrastructure. From engineers and planners to construction workers and public servants, your commitment to excellence keeps our cities moving forward. This week, we honor the essential role that public works professionals play in shaping the world around us. Your expertise ensures that our roads are safe, our water is clean, and our public spaces are accessible to all. Together, we create environments where people can thrive and prosper. Thank you to all the dedicated individuals who make our communities stronger. To all of our clients and friends - your contributions make a difference every single day, and we're honored to work alongside you. Here's to building a brighter future together.

🎉CCI (Cannon & Cannon, Inc.) is excited to announce our company's new URL, www.cci-corp.com. 🎉 After 28 years of serving our communities, our client’s trust and confidence in the professional services we provide are the catalyst for this update. It’s because of our clients and partners that CCI has experienced continual growth over the past several years; growth we are expecting into the future and actively preparing for right now. While the URL (cci-corp.com) keeps pace with the best industry initiatives, technologies, and management practices, it also provides a better glimpse of what we represent. CCI is a myriad of Teams – Survey, Electrical, Fiber | Broadband, GIS, Environmental, Utilities, Civil Site, Transportation and Traffic Services offering a variety of services with a shared mission, the same vision, and unified values. You will notice this change reflected on our email addresses and business cards in the days ahead. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our clients and partners better through this exciting news.