Jones Edmunds has been making a tangible difference in Florida communities since 1974, but last week was certainly one of the more memorable for the engineering and environmental sciences consulting firm. On Thursday, the organization was recognized by the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce as the Best Overall Large Business for 2014.

The Chamber specifically recognized Jones Edmunds for putting its core values of integrity, knowledge and service at the center of its work, and for local projects that showcase the region around Gainesville at statewide conferences.

“We serve clients all over the state but this year we get the opportunity to celebrate our 40th anniversary and for all 40 years the corporate headquarters and our home has been Gainesville,” said Jones Edmunds CEO Rick Ferreira. “We’re very proud to represent the community and be a member of this chamber. This is a tremendous honor and the direct result of the hard work of all of our associates.”

For 40 years, Jones Edmunds has been a driving force helping to shape Florida — from the state’s behind- and below-the-scenes infrastructure to the planning and restoration of its natural resources. The firm’s clients range from government agencies to utilities and private sector clients, including almost every county in the state, local municipalities, and state and federal agencies. Federal and state government clients include agencies such as NASA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Air Force, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as well as several of the state’s Water Management Districts.

From two founders in 1974 to more than 130 employees across seven offices in Florida today, in many ways, the evolution of this Gainesville-based engineering firm is a telling parallel and remarkable reflection of recent Florida history.