Calendar

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ACEC National

Upcoming Events

Future Leaders Institute Application Deadline
July 9

ACEC Fall Conference
October 17 – 20
Puerto Rico

DSF Consultants Conference
November 9
Madison

Committee Meetings

Government Affairs
June 2
Madison

Public Relations
June 3
Madison

Transportation Task Force
June 3
Madison

Membership Recruitment Subcommittee
June 4
Conference call

Board of Directors
June 8
Madison

Human Resources
June 10
Milwaukee

Orientation Meeting
June 22
Madison

Membership Retention Subcommittee
June 28
Conference call

For more information, visit our calendar.

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

June 1, 2010

Table of Contents
Letter from the Outgoing President
Board of Directors Election Results
Legislative Update
Education Programs
      Benefits of the Future Leaders Program – A Firsthand Account
      Annual Meeting Highlights
      Virtual Seminars & Training Opportunities
           Don’t Talk to the Media
           Lorman Education Services
Unauthorized Practice of Law
Orientation Meeting Scheduled
Member News
Committee News
State Agency News
ACEC National News
     President’s Update
     Coalitions & Forums
     Fall Conference
ACEC WI Conduit Fund & WisPAC
Other Upcoming Events
      Structural Steel Design Workshop
      SMPS Golf Outing
      2010 Mid-Continent Transportation Research Forum
Business News Wire
Engineers Without Borders Mentors & Advisors Needed

Letter from the Outgoing President ACEC Wisconsin Members: At this time, we can now reflect back on the successes of the organization and look forward to those issues that will require continued effort and resolve by our membership. We entered this year with a plan outlining 4 major efforts our organization would focus on:  membership, QBS, transportation and government advocacy. We had significant success with membership with 12 new firms joining the ACEC ranks. Success on this issue can be shared by many including our membership committee, ACEC WI staff, and our many engaged volunteers. We moved forward seeking passage of our QBS legislation in both the Assembly and Senate. While we were not successful with passage, we continue to educate legislators about the value QBS projects can provide when utilizing public funds. Passing legislation is not a simple, short-term process and the organization needs to keep focused on this important issue. Wisconsin continues to be 1 of only 4 states without QBS legislation. This message cannot be lost as we move forward into our next legislative session.

Stanley R Sugden, PE Ruekert/Mielke, Inc ACEC WI President 2009-10

Our Transportation Task Force’s efforts this past year demonstrated the value of working together as an industry to achieve a positive business climate. Transportation remains a key component to the recovery of our economy and our continued partnership with Wisconsin DOT can help this state achieve that recovery. Investment in transportation infrastructure will continue to pay long-term dividends.

President-Elect Tom Pulse, Ayres Associates, guided our strategic planning group through a discussion of change in focus for the organization. As our advocacy efforts continue to increase, we created a new model for the organization that outlines those changes. These changes were outlined at our Annual Meeting and further details will be brought forward as the ACEC WI Board approves changes to our current structure and bylaws. Executive Director Carol Godiksen has skillfully guided ACEC WI to its current position. In the coming months she will transition to a new role as our chief operations officer. Carol will focus more closely on operations and we will begin our search for the new staff position, President of ACEC WI. We will become a stronger organization with a growing advocacy role for the future.

I was aided throughout the year by Past President Jim Owen, MSA Professional Services. Jim’s commitment of time and effort to the organization should not go unnoticed. He will join a long list of committed past presidents that continue to offer their guidance and wisdom to ACEC WI.

Tom Pulse will begin our year as the president of ACEC Wisconsin. As part of our proposed organizational changes, we will change his title to chairman of the board. This change more closely reflects the national organization structure as we move forward. Tom and I have worked closely together this past year and I can confidently say the organization will be in good hands.

I would like to thank the organization and membership for the opportunity to serve as your president. It was a pleasure working with so many people that have the will to see a task through to completion.

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Board of Directors Election Results
The following individuals have been elected to the 2010-11 ACEC WI Board of Directors. The board takes office on July 1.

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Legislative Update
AB 288 – Legislation changing the education and work experience requirements for registration as a professional engineer and PE exam was signed into law by Governor Jim Doyle on May 13. The legislation is now Act 350.

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Education Programs

Benefits of the Future Leaders Program – A Firsthand Account
Future Leaders Institute Application Deadline – July 9
As ACEC WI begins the search for applicants for the Future Leaders Institute Class of 2011, we thought it would be beneficial for our members to hear firsthand about the leadership program. We recently had the opportunity to chat with a Future Leaders program graduate and his principal sponsor. These individuals volunteered  to share their program experiences.

Let’s first begin with introductions:

The Graduate: Brian Cater, PE; Clark Dietz, Inc; Future Leaders Class of 2009
The Sponsor: Allen Staron, PE; Clark Dietz, Inc
The Interviewer: ACEC WI

ACEC WI: What initially interested you in the Future Leaders program and how did you select Brian to participate?

Al: As a firm, we have sent people through the previous classes of the Future Leaders program. We saw the benefits of the program and were enthusiastic to send another individual through the program. We look at it as an opportunity to expose our firm’s up-and-coming leaders to a broad range of business and leadership topics. When selecting a candidate, we look at tenure and the person’s ability to take on responsibility.

ACEC WI: What did you gain from participating in the Future Leaders program?

Brian: Networking with peers from other firms was a big benefit. I now see my former classmates at ACEC WI events and other business functions. The class also allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the industry by delving deep into the Future Leaders program topics.

Government Affairs 101 was my favorite session. It was truly eye-opening. I learned the importance of involvement and gained confidence in contacting elected officials. Since the program, I have called state legislators in response to ACEC WI’s call to action emails. I have also contributed to the conduit fund and have attended fundraisers.

ACEC WI: How have you seen the program impact Brian’s career?

Al: Brian has become more confident, especially in the area of talking with elected officials on the state and local level. I’ve also seen an increase in confidence when interacting with clients. He has an extended peer network, which is a great and immediate benefit of the program.

ACEC WI: Who would benefit from this program?

Brian: Anyone who is currently in a management role and is looking for more experience and ways to grow.

Al: Those who interact with clients would benefit greatly from this program. The program complements and enhances skills  already in place.

ACEC WI: Do you have any additional comments about the Future Leaders program?

Al: The program is an opportunity to recognize the talent and potential of an individual. It supplements our internal training programs. It provides an opportunity to enhance understanding of leadership topics and has the added dimension of peer networking. The benefits of the program are great and we will participate again.

Brian: This program exposes you to a lot of issues and topics that you can’t easily cover on your own. It is not just another training course. This program has credibility. Saying I’m a ACEC WI Future Leaders Graduate means something.

Now that you’ve read about the Future Leaders Institute and its benefits to individual participants and firms, take the next step and learn more about the Future Leaders Institute. The program brochure and application are available at http://www.acecwi.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=611. The time to identify candidates and apply is now. The application deadline is July 9.

Results to the Intent to Apply survey have been very positive, demonstrating the value of this program. We're expecting another great group of future leaders to begin their leadership journey this fall.

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Annual Meeting Highlights
ACEC WI’s Annual Meeting was held May 13 in Waukesha. The day’s agenda was full of exciting content. A major highlight was the visits from all 3 leading gubernatorial candidates.

Scott Walker (left), Tom Barrett (middle), and Mark Neumann (right) addressed ACEC WI Annual Meeting attendees.

The meeting featured industry expert Kyle Davy, AIA with his outlook of the future of consulting engineering. In lieu of a speaker’s fee, Kyle requested a donation be made to Engineers Without Borders. Since a number of our members are involved in EWB, we chose to direct the gift to the professional chapters in Wisconsin.

The Future Leaders Class of 2010 officially graduated during the meeting. Congratulations to the Class of 2010 for completing your leadership journey. The industry is in capable hands as this group of future leaders move into principal and leadership roles. We are now seeking applicants for the Class of 2011. Click here to learn more.

The WisPAC raffle was a huge success, generating $670. The success was in large part due to the top prize, 4 Green Bay Packers tickets. ACEC WI owes a big thank you to Paul and Jeanne Tarvin (AECOM) for donating this fantastic prize. The winner of the tickets was Rick Schmidt, Bonestroo. The additional raffle prize was an autographed copy of Pat Buchanan's book, Churchill, Hitler, and the Unnecessary War, which went to Mike Williams, Strand Associates. The raffle proceeds will be used to support political campaigns and candidates who recognize and support positions that foster a healthy engineering community in Wisconsin.

The Annual Meeting also included our Annual Business Meeting. A copy of the draft minutes is available upon request.

ACEC WI would like to thank Johnson Insurance Services, MasterGraphics, and SilverEdge Systems Software for their sponsorship and support of the ACEC WI Annual Meeting.

Didn’t Attend the Annual Meeting? We want to know why.
The ACEC WI Business Practices Committee is seeking feedback from member principals on reasons why you did not attend the May 13 Annual Meeting. This information will aid in the planning of future meetings. Please take a moment to provide feedback. If you did attend the Annual Meeting, thank you for your support. Please feel free to use this as an opportunity to provide feedback.

The survey is available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZRPFKQK. Please complete the brief survey by Friday, June 11.

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Virtual Seminars
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. ACEC WI has established relationships with KRM and Lorman Education Services to offer members virtual seminars and on-demand training at a cost-effective price.
 

Don’t Talk to the Media: Secrets You Need to Know Before You Open Your Mouth to a Reporter
June 23
11:00 am – 12:30 pm; virtual seminar

ACEC WI partners with KRM Virtual Podium and International Association of Business Communicators to present this event.

Based on his new book, Don’t Talk to the Media, Gerard Braud —known as the guy to call when “it” hits the fan — admonishes us to follow the proper rules of engagement with reporters. He’ll answer those burning questions every executive and spokesperson asks every time he or she has to do an interview. In this webinar,  you’ll learn:

• How to control every question and answer
• Why spokespeople complain that they are taken out of context
• Secrets to measuring the monetary benefits to a great interview and report

Executives, communications and human resources professionals, and anyone who may act as a firm’s spokesperson should attend this event.

Click here to register.

About the presenter: Gerard Braud is an author, international coach, and trainer who has worked with organizations on 5 continents. He is widely regarded as an expert in crisis communications and media relations. He has been active in the field of communications since 1979. Since 1994 he has specialized in helping organizations communicate more effectively through media training, crisis communications plans, and employee-manager training.

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Training Opportunities – Lorman Education Services
ACEC WI is dedicated to providing cost-effective training opportunities that meet the needs of our members and enhance their skills, knowledge, and competencies. We have partnered with Lorman Education Services to provide continuing education in a variety of topic areas. ACEC WI members receive a 10% discount on all registrations and orders. Visit http://www.lorman.com/training/acecwi for available teleconferences, seminars, and products.

You may register online or call Lorman at 866-352-9539. Please use Priority Code 16276 and Discount Code L9829914 when registering to receive your discount.

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Unauthorized Practice of Law
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will be in open administrative conference on June 1 to again discuss the State Bar’s petition on the unauthorized practice of law. This issue has been pending since 2002. The petitioner has submitted revisions to its proposal, which is currently considered a 5th draft. The rule has the potential to affect certain activities undertaken by consulting engineering firms in the normal course of work.

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Orientation Meeting Scheduled
Incoming President Tom Pulse has scheduled an ACEC WI orientation meeting for the morning of Tuesday, June 22. Incoming board and committee chairs are encouraged to attend. Members interested in understanding the association’s governance structure are welcome as well. Contact ACEC WI if you’d like more details or plan to attend.

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Member News
Rice Engineering – is welcomed to the ACEC WI membership. The firm’s key contact is: Clive Gasparka; 105 School Creek Trl; Luxemburg, WI 54217; 920-845-1042; www.rice-inc.com.

GRAEF – proudly announces the election of 6 associates in 2010. Sandy Carpenter, PE; Jason Gerke, PE, LEED AP; Matt Lininger, PE, LEEP AP; Jason Matson, PE; Nick Skiffington, PE; and Michael Vogel, PE, SE.

Clark Dietz – is pleased to announce Mark Porlier, electrical engineer, was presented the 2010 Airport Engineer of the Year award by the Wisconsin Airport Management Association.

Ayres Associates – is pleased to announce Thomas Pulse, PE has been named president of the firm, replacing Patrick Quinn, PE, who announced his retirement effective at the end of 2010.

Vierbicher – welcomes David Glusick, PE; Timothy Schleeper, PE; Joseph Doyle, PE; and, Michael Marty, PLS to the Madison office. The firm is also pleased to announce Patrick Clearly has recently earned the designation of a Wisconsin Registered Landscape Architect.

Crispell-Snyder – is pleased to welcome 4 construction services employees to the firm: Bob Larson, Mike Undem, Jennifer Starr, and Jim Glider.

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Committee News
Business Practices – During the committee’s May 26 meeting, the group critiqued the annual meeting as well as the evaluation summary for the just completed Engineering Future Leaders class. A new chairman for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Subcommittee was appointed.

DNR – The committee is scheduled to meet in July.

DOT – The May quarterly meeting had the largest attendance on record. Topics included feedback from design opportunity days, the April and upcoming solicitations, and concerns over salary escalation provisions in multiyear contracts. The committee was joined by senior WisDOT officials during the afternoon session.

DSF – The committee met May 26 to continue developing content for the November DSF Consultants Conference and a discussion of an energy policy tax credit. A partnering meeting between DSF, ACEC, and AIA is being proposed for late June.

Human Resources – The committee’s May meeting was cancelled; the next meeting is scheduled for June 10.

Government Affairs – The committee has completed drafting the 2010-12 Government Affairs Agenda, subject to board approval. Its next meeting is scheduled for June 2 and will focus on the upcoming election season and conduit participation.

Membership – The committee met on May 27 and has proposed revisions to the affiliate member firm policy. It celebrated the success of recruiting 12 firms during this fiscal year, a major achievement for the organization.

Public Relations – The committee will meet June 3 to continue its work on a social media plan and style guidelines.

Transportation Task Force – The group continues to meet monthly with WisDOT Administration.

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State Agency News
Department of Natural Resources – The Remediation & Redevelopment Program’s RR Report is available at the following links:
http://www.wiparks.net/org/aw/rr/news/10/05-06-10.pdf
http://www.wiparks.net/org/aw/rr/news/10/05-27-10.pdf

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ACEC National News

President’s Update

• After several years of effort with the Small Business Administration and FAR Council, retainage is now optional with the procurement officer, rather than mandatory. It is now “up to 10%”, rather than a mandatory 10%. Furthermore, it can be held only until the design is accepted – not until all construction is completed. ACEC is still advocating elimination of all retainage, but we are taking some winnings off the table, even as we continue the good fight.
• Won a landmark federal appeals court ruling that the National Flood Insurance Act (NFIA) shields engineering firms working for FEMA from actions under state law.
• Lobbied Congress against the diversion of transportation fees from the Highway Trust Fund in draft climate change legislation proposed by Senators Kerry and Lieberman.
• Endorsed legislation to repeal unnecessary paperwork requirements in the recently enacted health care law.
• Provided formal comments on new draft World Bank consultant procurement guidelines.

Coalitions & Forums
ACEC’s coalitions provide opportunities to share knowledge and best practices. Members may join these “communities of practice” on the basis of their discipline. Additional information can be found by visiting http://www.acec.org/coalitions/index.cfm or click here to download the coalition membership form. The following is a list of the professional communities:

• Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE)
• Council of Professional Surveyors (COPS)
• Council of American Mechanical & Electrical Engineers (CAMEE)
• Land Development Coalition (LDC)
• Design Professionals Coalition (DPC)
• Forums
  
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Legal Counsel
  • Professional Sales & Marketing

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The 2010 Fall Conference theme is Innovative Solutions for Dealing with Global Change – the Environment, the Economy, and Engineering. Register by July 31 to take advantage of  the early bird registration rate. Visit http://www.acec.org/conferences/fall-10/index.cfm for details and to pre-register at the reduced rate.
 

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ACEC WI Conduit Fund & WisPAC
This election year is extremely important to the industry and our conduit fund goal is $50K. The government affairs committee will be planning fundraising events throughout the summer and fall. Watch for details and plan to participate by contributing and attending events.

Using the conduit as a pass-through for your political contributions benefits not only you, but also your employer and the industry. 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.

2010 Conduit & WisPAC Contributors
Conduit contributors (as of May 26)

WisPAC Contributors (as of May 26)
Contributions of $100 or more
Karen Beck, Mead & Hunt, Inc
Russell Chesmore, Mead & Hunt, Inc
Jeffrey Kronser, Strand Associates, Inc
William Mielke, Ruekert/Mielke, 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.

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Other Upcoming Events

Structural Steel Design Workshop
The University of Wisconsin Department of Engineering Professional Development is offering Structural Steel Design Workshop. The workshop will be held August 17-19 in Madison. For more information, visit http://epd.engr.wisc.edu/webL613.

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SMPS Wisconsin Golf Outing & Dinner
SMPS Wisconsin is hosting a golf event for AEC industry marketing and business development professionals on June 11 at the New Berlin Hills Golf Course. Please visit http://www.smpswisconsin.org/golf.html for information. Registration closes June 2.

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2010 Mid-Continent Transportation Research Forum
August 19-20, Madison
The 9th Annual Mid-Continent Transportation Research Forum, Meeting Tomorrow's Transportation Challenges, will bring together leaders in transportation research and practice to examine current developments and issues.

The event is sponsored by the National Center for Freight & Infrastructure Research & Education, the Construction Materials Support Center, the Wisconsin Transportation Center, the Institute for Transportation, the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin and Iowa Departments of Transportation.

Click here for details and registration information.

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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.

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Engineers Without Borders Mentors & Advisors Needed
Engineers Without Borders in Wisconsin has ongoing projects in Central America and Africa. Student chapters at UW Madison, Marquette, UW Platteville, MSOE and UW Milwaukee always need professional engineer mentors and advisors. This can mean working with the groups here and/or traveling with the teams. Right now there is an urgent need for mentors willing to help UW Madison with projects in Rwanda and to travel with them in August. If you are interested, please contact Kevin Hagen, GRAEF, at 608-245-1960.

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© American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin 2010