ACEC WI

Calendar

Meetings/Seminars

Committees

Contact us

ACEC national

Upcoming Events

Engineering Future Leaders #5
March 4-5
Elkhart Lake

Transportation Improvement Conference
March 8-9
Green Bay

TDA Fly-in
March 10-11
Washington, DC

Beyond Price Cutting: How to Maximize Value and Remain Competitive
March 18
Pewaukee

Awards Banquet
March 26
Kohler

The Balancing Act: Finding the Right Mix of Traditional & Social Media
April 14
Virtual Seminar

ACEC Annual Convention
April 26-28
Washington, DC

AIA WI Convention & Building Products Expo
April 28-29
Madison

Annual Meeting
May 13
Waukesha


For more information, visit our calendar.

Committee Meetings

Transportation Task Force
March 4
Madison

Membership Recruitment Subcommittee
March 5
Conference Call

DSF Liaison Committee
March 9
Conference Call

Board of Directors
March 11
Madison

Human Resources
March 11
Kenosha

Business Practices
March 18
Madison

Membership Retention Subcommittee
March 29
Conference Call

2009-10 Board of Directors

President
Stan Sugden, PE
Ruekert/Mielke
Waukesha

President-Elect
Tom Pulse, PE
Ayres Associates
Eau Claire

Secretary-Treasurer
Greg Jewell, PE
Jewell Associates Engineers
Spring Green

ACEC Director
Kevin Hagen, PE
GRAEF
Madison

ACEC Alternate Director
Jeff Hanson, PE
AECOM
Madison

PEPP Director
Rick Schmidt, PE
Bonestroo
Mequon

Director at Large
Dave Brose, PE
EMCS
Milwaukee

Past President
Jim Owen, PE
MSA Professional Services
Baraboo

Executive Director
Carol Godiksen
ACEC WI
Madison

ACEC WI Affiliates
 
Gold Sponsors:
Johnson Insurance Services

SilverEdge Systems Software

Silver Sponsor:
MasterGraphics
 

Click here for a print friendly version

March 1, 2010

Table of Contents
Government Affairs Update
     QBS Legislation – SB 442 / AB 654
     Contracting Out – SB 447
     PE Licensure – AB 288
     Other Legislation
     Business Day in Madison
Education Programs
     Transportation Improvement Conference
     Work/Life Balance for Future Leaders
     ACEC WI Annual Meeting
    Virtual Seminar – Social Media
ACEC WI Awards Banquet
Engineering Excellence National Awards
Kopplin Reappointed to PE Board
Member News
Affiliate News
Committee News
State Agency News
ACEC National News
Conduit Fund & WisPAC
SMPS Program – Beyond Price Cutting
Business News Wire
 

Government Affairs Update

QBS Legislation – SB 442 / AB 654: Legislation supporting the use of Qualifications-Based Selection for procurement of design services for public works projects continues through the legislative process. AB 654 passed the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economy and Small Business on a vote of 10 to 2. It is waiting scheduling for a vote by the full Assembly. The companion bill, SB 442, received a hearing in the Senate Committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations in February, but has not been scheduled for a committee vote. It must be approved by the committee before it can be considered by the full Senate.

As members have noted from the number of legislative alerts, our grass roots lobbying effort is essential to keep the legislation moving forward. After this week, floor periods (voting sessions) will be limited to the weeks of April 13 – 22. Making contact with your state legislators when the alerts come out is key to victory.

Opponents of the bill have become more vocal over the last month. It is critical that ACEC WI make certain our voice is heard by our state legislature. Our message remains the same, we are asking legislators to support this legislation as initially introduced. Continue to watch for legislative alerts; review the ACEC WI Week Ahead, sent each Friday; and visit the website for additional alerts.

Our 2010 Engineering Excellence Awards magazine, published by The Daily Reporter, has been a great tool promoting the value of QBS. The full-color magazine has been distributed to each legislative office during Engineers Week. QBS was used almost 70% of the time for these award winning projects. Copies of this magazine are available by contacting ACEC WI.

Back to top
 

Contracting Out – SB 447: This may have been a well intended bill, but the impact of this legislation cuts private sector jobs and is estimated to cost taxpayers at least $2.5 million with $0 savings. ACEC WI opposes passage of this legislation. It was unanimously approved by the Senate Committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations in early February, but has not received a vote by the full Senate. SB 447 has been sent to the Joint Finance Committee. We continue to ask our membership to contact their state legislators asking them not to support SB 447.

Back to top
 

PE Licensure – AB 288: The bill would require an engineering degree in order to become licensed, along with changes in PE exam requirements. While the bill has passed the Assembly, it has not received a hearing by the Senate committee.

Back to top
 

Other legislation: There has not been activity on AB 271, regarding land surveying, nor on SB 298 / AB 427, alternative delivery, since receiving public hearings in January.

Back to top
 

Business Day in Madison
The February 23 Business Day in Madison was a huge success. ACEC WI continues its support of the event as a silver sponsor along with a participation record – 24 members attending the event. In addition to Political Analyst and Pollster Charlie Cook, the keynote address featured a behind the scenes look at the White House by former White House Press Secretaries Dee Dee Myers and Dana Perino. Gubernatorial candidates Scott Walker and Tom Barrett also addressed the group.

With QBS legislation at play, our members also served as our lobbyists, meeting with more than 30 State Senators and Representatives during the day. They delivered a consistent message – support QBS legislation as introduced this session.

ACEC WI wishes to thank these firm principals for spreading the message that ACEC WI is engaged in advocacy on behalf of the industry.

Back to top
 

Education Programs

2010 Transportation Improvement Conference Going Green in Green Bay March 8-9, Green Bay The 2010 Transportation Improvement Conference will be held March 8-9 in Green Bay. This is the third consecutive year ACEC WI and WisDOT have partnered to present this conference. The registration deadline was February 22. If you are still interested in attending, contact ACEC WI at 608-257-9223. This conference is generously sponsored by the following ACEC WI member firms. Thank you for your support of the 2010 Transportation Improvement Conference.

 Back to top

Work/Life Balance for Future Leaders
This year’s class of future leaders met February 18 and 19 to gain perspective on work/life balance as a leader in the consulting engineering industry. This session was the rescheduled offering of the December session that was cancelled due to weather. Class members, panelists, and speakers were all able to balance and rearrange schedules to attend the rescheduling program.

The session kicked off with a panel of industry leaders sharing what has worked and what has not regarding work/life balance. The panelists shared personal insights and candid answers to give these future leaders a realistic look at what is attainable when it comes to work/life balance. A big thank you goes out to the work/life balance panelists: Ryan Amtmann, PE; Ruekert/Mielke, Jeff Kronser, PE, FACEC; Strand Associates Jeanne Tarvin, PG, CPG; AECOM Paul Tarvin, PE, FACEC; AECOM

Paul & Jeanne Tarvin and Ryan Amtmann share insights on how to live a balanced life.

Jason Kotecki (of Kim and Jason) led the class through a program designed to get each participant to reflect on what is important in life. The key message was to focus on what’s really important in life, play more, and make time for creative, unexpected moments. Class members left with great ideas and a new perspective on what it means to live a balanced and fufilling work and personal life.

A lesson on human resources, focusing on identifying talent with organizational fit was also included in this program. A special thanks to ACEC WI Human Resources Committee members Jon B Howaniec, PHR; Clark Dietz and Beth Munz, PHR; MSA Professional Services for presenting this segment.

The class returns to Elkhart Lake March 4 and 5 for a session on running the business.

Preparations are underway for the Future Leaders Class of 2011. Solicitation for program candidates will begin this spring and the program will kick off in September.

Back to top

ACEC WI Annual Meeting is the must-attend event of the year for consulting engineering firm owners, principals, department-level managers, and up-and-coming leaders. The meeting is designed to give you insight into where the consulting engineering industry is headed. How will you seize the moment to shape a bold and prosperous future for clients, society, and your firm?

Meeting Highlights

The Future of Consulting Engineering - Kyle Davy, Kyle V Davy Consulting
This new decade could be an era for engineering and design professionals that rivals the golden years of innovation sparked by NASA’s quest for the moon during the 1960s. Discover the forces generating this potential and how to respond. Attendees will:

• Learn how emerging social imperatives match up to the mission of engineering and design professionals.
• Discover the opportunities that come with these imperatives and how to respond.
• Identify the attributes successful firms need.

Will consulting engineers see and seize this moment to shape a bold and prosperous future for clients, society, and their own firms? This interactive session will explore and reflect on the future of consulting engineering and design.

Fall Election Preview
The ACEC WI Government Affairs Committee is planning a can’t miss Fall Election Preview. This session will provide insider insight into the pivotal fall election. The agenda will be updated as details become available.

The meeting will also feature:

• Principals Roundtable Breakfasts
• Business Meeting
• Future Leaders Class of 2010 Graduation & Reception

Click here to learn more.

Additional Annual Meeting Details:

• The meeting will be held at the Milwaukee Marriott West in Waukesha. A room block is available for attendees on the night of May 12 at the special group rate of $89. The room reservation deadline is April 21. Click here for details.
• A total of 5 PDH credits are available.
• Register by April 21 to take advantage of the early, reduced registration rate. A portion of the registration fee will be donated to Engineers Without Borders. Click here to register.
   

Thank You 2010 Annual Meeting Sponsors

Back to top

Virtual Seminar
Virtual seminars are the perfect solution for training on a budget. For one low registration fee, any number of employees can participate in the program at your firm’s office. Avoid additional expenses of multiple registrations and travel costs by participating in virtual seminars. Recognizing these difficult economic times, ACEC WI will be focusing on offering these cost-effective solutions for training rather than face-to-face meetings. These programs are perfect lunch and learn opportunities. In many cases, a program CD may be purchased if the program date and time are not convenient.

ACEC WI is proud to partner with KRM Virtual Podium to present the following virtual seminar:

The Balancing Act: Finding the Right Mix of Traditional and Social Media
April 14
11:00 – 12:30 pm, virtual seminar
Facebook ... Twitter ... YouTube ... television ... newspapers ... Determining the ideal media mix for your marketing campaign is a real challenge. In this webinar from International Association of Business Communicators, you will learn:

• ways to save time by reaching out across media platforms
• how to determine which media types are best for particular campaigns
• current trends in social media ... and how to apply them
• tips for creating compelling multimedia and shareable content

This virtual seminar is presented by Heidi Sullivan, vice president of media research for Cision. She has extensive experience as an editorial manager for a print publication, as an account executive at a PR agency and as an editor and media researcher for a major newswire service. Heidi is a host of the popular Cision Social Media Webinar Series and a blogger for Cision Blog.

Whether you have 2, 20, or 200 people gathered in an office or conference room, you pay one low price. Can't make the live event? Order a recording and get the same great information, at your convenience. Click here to register or order the event recording.

Back to top 

ACEC WI Awards Banquet Friday, March 26 The American Club, Kohler Reservation deadline is March 19.

Celebrate with your colleagues and clients at the 39th Annual ACEC WI Awards Banquet. The gala event honors the 2010 Engineering Excellence Award-winning projects and ACEC WI volunteer leadership.

The evening begins with a reception at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm, and concludes with the presentation of the 2010 Engineering Excellence Awards. Comedian Mike Mercury will entertain us all with his original comedy and commentary on this year’s winning projects. We will also be joined by ACEC Chairman Tim Psomas.

Banquet reservations are available on an individual basis or by table of 8. The reservation deadline is March 19. Attendee information, including entrée selection is also due at this time. 

Click here for reservation materials and additional information.

Thank you to Clark Dietz for sponsoring the event. Sponsorship opportunities and premium seating is still available. Please visit the event website for details. Back to top

Engineering Excellence National Awards
A prestigious group of 28 judges, from across the county, met in Baltimore February 19 – 21, to judge the ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards Competition. The judges had the difficult assignment of selecting 24 top honorees from 163 exceptional engineering projects and studies over a 3-day period. Wisconsin was well represented with 4 projects entered in the national awards competition.

ACEC WI sends a special thank you to 2 representatives from Wisconsin. We were honored to have Dave Haley, AIA, State Chief Architect from the Division of State Facilities serving a third year as a judge. Joining him for his first year judging was Mark Giesfeldt, PE, Director for the Remediation and Redevelopment Bureau in the Department of Natural Resources. Both gentlemen did an excellent job providing their expertise during deliberations. Executive Director Carol Godiksen serves as a member of the national awards committee.

Back to top
 

Kopplin Reappointed to PE Board
The Wisconsin State Senate reappointed Charles Kopplin, PE (GRAEF), to the Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers, and Land Surveyors. Congratulations, Chuck.

ACEC WI is engaged in the gubernatorial process of appointments to the licensure board and offers assistance with the process when a licensed professional from a member firm has a desire to volunteer for public service. If you have an interest in serving on the registration board, please contact Executive Director Carol Godiksen. You will be informed as vacancies arise on the board. ACEC WI understands there is a desire to have members of the registration board broadened beyond the civil and structural engineering disciplines.

Back to top
 

Member News
Clark Dietz – has appointed John Boldt (Kenosha) and Tim Falkowski (Wausau) as 2010 board members. Emily Schneider (Kenosha) and Lisa Zahrt (Wausau) have been elected new shareholders. The firm welcomes Ken Payne (Wausau) to the MEP group.

Back to top

Affiliate News
Johnson Insurance Services - is pleased to announce Shawna Bertalot has been appointed executive director of specialization and practices. She will lead property and casualty insurance teams, which include architects and engineers.

Back to top
 

Committee News
Business Practices – The committee is scheduled to meet March 18. The committee will receive updates from the QBS and MMSD subcommittees. The educational programming line-up, including the 2010-11 offering of the Engineering Future Leaders program will be discussed.

DNR – The committee is next scheduled to meet in April.

DOT – The March 8-9 Transportation Improvement Conference in Green Bay will include a presentation on the committee’s activities as they relate to this important client.

DSF – The committee has scheduled a conference call for March 9, specifically to begin discussion on the fall DSF Consultants Conference.

Government Affairs – The committee continues to be focused on passage of QBS legislation, coordinating the grass roots lobbying efforts of our membership. See the government affairs article for information on committee efforts.

HR – The committee’s March 11 meeting will be held at the Kenosha office of Clark Dietz.

Membership – Committee members are encouraging participation at the May 13 ACEC WI Annual Meeting when making contact with both current and prospective member firms.

Nominating – Final effort on the selection of a slate of candidates is the committee’s primary activity this month. The official slate will be announced on April 1.

Past Presidents Task Force – Invitations to our prestigious group of ACEC WI Past Presidents have been sent, requesting their presence at a reception prior to the March 26 Awards Banquet.

Public Relations - The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for April 8. The committee continues to plan how ACEC WI can effectively implement a social media strategy.

Transportation Task Force – The group continues its monthly meetings with the department.

Back to top
 

State Agency News
Department of Natural Resources – The RR Report from the DNR's Remediation and Redevelopment Program is available at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/rr/news/10/02-11-10.pdf.

Back to top
 

ACEC News
Annual Convention & Legislative Summit
April 25-28, Washington, DC
Attend the advocacy and education event of the year, ACEC’s Annual Convention & Legislative Summit. This year’s theme is Engineering America’s Recovery: New Opportunities. Highlights include:

Click here for details. Register by April 2 to receive the early bird registration rates.

2010 Uniform Audit & Accounting Guide Web Posting
AASHTO has completed publication of the 2010 Uniform Audit and Accounting Guide. The guide is available for download through ACEC’s Audit Guide Resource Center at http://www.acec.org/advocacy/committees/auditguide.cfm.

Back to top
 

Conduit Fund & WisPAC
This election year is extremely important to the industry. Using the conduit as a pass-through for your political contributions benefits not only you, but also your employer and the industry. Exercise your right to be involved in the political process by contributing to the ACEC WI Conduit Fund. Getting involved and making a difference is as easy as writing a personal check or signing up for a payroll deduction.

Click here for more information on the conduit.

Conduit Contributors (as of Feb 26)
Chairman Level - $1000 or more
John Boldt, Clark Dietz
Philip Budde, Strand Associates, Inc
Jeffrey Kronser, Strand Associates, Inc
James Owen, MSA Professional Services
John Rathke, Mead & Hunt
Theodore Richards, Strand Associates, Inc
Rajan Sheth, Mead & Hunt
Richard Smith, RA Smith National, Inc
Paul Tarvin, AECOM*

President Level - $500 or more
David Brose, EMCS Inc*
Russell Chesmore, Mead & Hunt, Inc
John Kissinger, GRAEF
Amy Squiteri, Mead & Hunt, Inc*

Principal Level - $250 or more
Brian Cater, Clark Dietz*
Gilbert Hantzsch, MSA Professional Services
Jeffrey Kenkel, RA Smith National, Inc*
Charles Kopplin, GRAEF
Michael Mertens, Jewell Associates Engineers*
Bruce Ommen, Ayres Associates
David Pellizzari, Michael Baker Jr
Steven Schultz, Ruekert/Mielke, Inc*
Ken Ward, Ruekert/Mielke, Inc*
Kenneth Williams, Ruekert/Mielke, Inc

Professional Level - $100 or more
Ryan Amtmann, Ruekert/Mielke, Inc*
Karen Beck, Mead & Hunt, Inc
Michael Forslund, Strand Associates, Inc
Terry Genske, Strand Associates, Inc
Martin Hanson, Ayres Associates
Stephan Hoffman, RA Smith National, Inc
Ravi Jayaraman, Clark Dietz
Peter Muth, Ruekert/Mielke, Inc
Anthony Petersen, Ruekert/Mielke, Inc
Gerald Powell, Ruekert/Mielke, Inc
Stanley Sugden, Ruekert/Mielke, Inc*
Sean Sullivan, Ruekert/Mielke, Inc*
Patrick Wohlers, Ruekert/Mielke, Inc*
Steven Wurster, Ruekert/Mielke, Inc

* These individuals are participating in the automatic withdrawal program.

In addition to the Conduit contributions listed above, there were 2 contributions of less than $100.

WisPAC Contributors (as of Feb 26)
Contributions of $100 or more
Karen Beck, Mead & Hunt, Inc
Russell Chesmore, Mead & Hunt, Inc
Jeffrey Kronser, Strand Associates, Inc
Rajan Sheth, Mead & Hunt, Inc

In addition to the WisPAC contributions listed above, there were 2 contributions of less than $100 and numerous contributions through ACEC WI raffles.
 

Back to top

Beyond Price Cutting: How to Maximize Value and Remain Competitive
March 18
Country Springs Hotel, Pewaukee
With mounting pressures of uncertain economic times and increasing competition for every opportunity, your firm may be tempted to cut prices and chase every lead to remain competitive. Slashing prices might seem to be a quick fix, but it can lead to negative long-term side effects. And pursuing opportunities with strategies to capture the project can waste valuable marketing dollars. Dr Janet Sanders, an expert in the field of client marketing, will identify opportunities and strategies that will allow you to focus your efforts and maintain prices. Attendees will learn:

• Hot spots to invest your limited marketing dollars
• Relevant messages that appeal to today’s penny-pinching clients and prospects
• Tactics to win “more than your share” of whatever work that is available in your marketplace
• Ways other firms have changed their business models to get through the downturn
• Ideas to position your firm to survive in today’s economy and thrive in tomorrow’s changed marketplace.

Join SMPS Wisconsin & ACEC WI for this exciting half-day seminar. Click here for details. ACEC WI members and SMPS members attend for the rate of just $100.

Back to top

UW Business News Wire
Check out the latest edition of UW Business News Wire at http://buswire.ocr.wisc.edu/. The monthly online publication is intended to build and strengthen awareness of and appreciation for university resources and programs that assist the Wisconsin business community.

Back to top 

 You are receiving this e-newsletter because you are employed by a member firm of ACEC WI or you have expressed interest in receiving information from the organization. If you have received this e-newsletter in error, or wish to be removed from the list, please send an email to acecwi@acecwi.org with the subject line "unsubscribe."

© American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin 2010