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ACEC National

Upcoming Events

Future Leaders Institute
Application Deadline
July 9

ACEC Fall Conference
October 17 – 20
Puerto Rico

Engineering Excellence Awards
Submission Deadline
October 18

DSF Consultants Conference
November 9
Madison
 

Committee Meetings
 

DNR Liaison
July 13
Madison

DSF Liaison
July 13
Madison

Executive Subcommittee & TTF
July 14
Madison

Public Relations
July 22
Madison

Membership Retention Subcommittee
July 26
Conference call
 

For more information, visit our calendar.

2010-11 Board of Directors

President
Tom Pulse, PE
Ayres Associates
Eau Claire

President-Elect
Kevin Hagen, PE
GRAEF
Madison

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

ACEC Director
Jeff Hanson, PE
AECOM
Madison

PEPP Director
Rick Schmidt, PE
Bonestroo
Mequon

PEPP Alternate Director
Matt Richards, PE
Strand Associates
Madison

Director at Large
Dave Brose, PE
EMCS
Milwaukee

Past President
Stan Sugden, PE
Ruekert/Mielke
Waukesha

Executive Director
Carol Godiksen
ACEC WI
Madison

Affiliate Member
Gold Sponsor

Johnson Insurance Services

July 1, 2010

Table of Contents

Letter from the President
Thank You for Investing in ACEC WI
Thank You Volunteers
Advance & Protect Your Profession
Engineering Excellence Awards 2011 Call for Entries
Future Leaders Institute Application Deadline
Virtual Seminars & Training Opportunities
Unauthorized Practice of Law
Business Practices Outreach
Member News
Affiliate News
Committee News
State Agency News
ACEC National News
     Fall Conference
     Fraudulent Offer Warning
     S Corporation Tax Increase
Conduit Fund & WisPAC Contributors
Mid-Continent Transportation Research Forum
Business News Wire



 Letter from the President

The year ahead will be full of challenges both in our industry and ACEC WI. During my term as president, which will transition into chairman of the board, we will continue working on issues that are vital to our companies and our industry. I see my challenge as advancing the issues of highest concern: our continued push for QBS legislation, industry partnership development, and advocacy – especially as we prepare for yet another election cycle. We will also begin implementing a new organizational structure at ACEC WI, which I hope will be exciting and rewarding for member firms and our staff. Personally, I am energized by the change and I look forward to support from member firms, the board of directors, staff, and the past presidents as we navigate this year. At the annual meeting in May, we announced structural and title changes for our organization. The top elected volunteer will be known as chairman of the board, rather than president, which will align titles with ACEC National and other state member organizations. Carol’s title will change from executive director to chief operations officer. We are beginning a search for a new chief staff officer, who will have the title president, to provide the overall organization leadership and to develop and advance our advocacy efforts, which have become vital to the membership. These changes will require an update and modification to our bylaws; member firms will have the opportunity to ratify those changes in the coming months.

Tom Pulse, PE Ayres Associates ACEC WI President

Our QBS legislative effort continued to advance during the recently completed legislative session, providing more opportunities to discuss this vital legislation with our elected officials. Although this legislation again stalled, we will not be deterred in our efforts to join the many states that have meaningful QBS legislation. Following this year’s elections, our efforts will start anew making more contacts and lining up support for QBS legislation.

Our industry partnerships will have a high priority with our continued efforts to build and enhance relationships. Our Transportation Task Force (TTF) continues to come together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on issues and seek solutions. This relationship continues to be important to our membership and allows us to assist the department in delivering its program. We continue to liaison with the Division of State Facilities, with our conference being held November 9, Department of Natural Resources, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, and others. We look forward to our new staff chief executive playing an important role in enhancing our partnerships and relationships with our important clients and agencies as we move ACEC WI into a greater advocacy role.

I enjoyed working with Stan Sugden this past year as I prepared for my year in leadership. This organization and its members owe Stan a huge thank you for all his efforts on QBS legislation and the challenges WisDOT placed before us. Stan’s commitment to this organization beyond his own day job was truly amazing. You cannot appreciate the number of meetings that Stan attended as he navigated his way through this year. Thank you, Stan, for all your efforts; you’ve earned the right to relax!

President-elect (soon to be known as chairman-elect) Kevin Hagen, GRAEF, will work with me through this year. I look forward to working closely with Kevin and I know his insights will benefit our members and the organization.

I enter this year anticipating new opportunities for ACEC WI to continue to grow and add value to our member firms. Please feel free to share any thoughts or comments with me throughout this year.

Tom Pulse, PE Ayres Associates ACEC WI President

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Thank You for Investing in ACEC WI
Thank you to the following firms for membership renewal and continued investment in ACEC WI for the 2010-11 year. We thank you for your support. Working together as a unified voice has elevated our industry in the eyes of the public and our state legislators and truly makes ACEC WI the business voice of the consulting engineering industry.

Renewing Firms (as of June 29)
Bonestroo, Inc
Clark Dietz, Inc
Computerized Structural Design S.C.
Davy Engineering Company, Inc
Donald F Roecker
Engineering Partners International, LLC
GRAEF
JT Engineering, Inc
KJWW Engineering, Inc
Knight E/A, Inc
Larson Engineering, Inc
Rice Engineering, Inc
RMT, Inc
Singh & Associates, Inc

Renewing Affiliate Member Firms (as of June 29)
Johnson Insurance (Gold Sponsor)
O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C.

Voluntary Contributions
Continued government affairs involvement keeps our message on point and in front of the decision makers. Our efforts have been effective, but continued support is needed. As part of the membership renewal process, member firms are given the opportunity to check-off additional funds for our government affairs initiatives.

This year we are moving forward to again introduce QBS legislation and, with your help, secure passage of this important legislation. In addition, we are making great strides in our initiative to keep an open dialogue with WisDOT.

Thank you to the following firms that have selected the voluntary check off to help ensure the continued success of our government affairs initiatives.

Government Advocacy Fund Participants (as of June 29)
Bonestroo, Inc
Clark Dietz, Inc
GRAEF

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Thank You Volunteers
July marks the start of another year for ACEC WI, one that will bring exciting changes to better serve you as members and continue to improve your firm’s business environment. We are where we are today because of the great work of our volunteer leadership and committee participants. Our members continue to amaze me; the commitment of time and energy to move our mission forward is outstanding. We close out the year with one of the highest levels of membership growth on record. Members’ grassroots lobbying made a difference. While we weren't successful passing QBS legislation, our members calls to their legislators was instrumental in defeating the outsourcing bill offered late in the legislative session. We’re known throughout the Capitol as an engaged organization.

A listing of the new 2010-11 board of directors appears in left sidebar section of the newsletter. Retiring from the board is Jim Owen, MSA Professional Services. His years of service have left an imprint on ACEC WI. Thanks, Jim.

Many of our 12 committee chairs will continue, serving a second year in leadership. Four members will be leaving their position as chair. I’d like to extend my thanks to Matt Richards, Strand Associates, business practices committee chair; John Rathke, Mead & Hunt, transportation liaison committee chair; Yash Wadhwa, Strand Associates, government affairs committee chair; and Phil Budde, Strand Associates, nominating committee chair. Their leadership has helped ACEC WI get to where it is today.

For the many volunteers who have helped ACEC WI grow, I offer my heartfelt thanks. For those individuals who aren’t involved, please consider participating on a committee or task force. Not only does it move the industry forward, but it increases the value of your firm’s membership and is personally rewarding as well.

With sincere thanks,

Carol Godiksen ACEC WI Executive Director

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This election year is an opportunity for our industry. A new governor will mean not only a change in policy, but the appointment of new secretaries to the Departments of Administration, Transportation, Natural Resources, and Commerce, among others. The last two years have been a challenge for the industry with the constant pro-union, anti-outsourcing message. As ACEC WI members, we need to be engaged in the process to make a more business friendly environment.

The ACEC WI Government Affairs Committee encourages your support of the ACEC WI Conduit. Contributions to the conduit must be from individuals (personal checks). You control the amount you contribute to the candidates of your choosing for state election races.

What is the objective of our conduit?
We support candidates who recognize and support the industry, reviewing all legislators who worked for or against our interests during the just concluded legislative session. We support the leadership in both the Senate and Assembly who have been helpful to advancing our causes. Noteworthy this legislative cycle was the killing of the outsourcing bill along with the support of our QBS legislation.

Act Today
We encourage you to act today to become a member of the ACEC WI Conduit. Send a personal check to the ACEC WI Conduit, at the ACEC WI office. Click here for more information on the conduit.

How much should you contribute? We need support from all levels within our firms. You can make an impact with a contribution of just $50*. Other levels include: Professional $50 Associate $100 Principal $250 President $500 Chairman $1000 or more Contributors are recognized each month in this e-newsletter. *$50 is the minimum contribution. Payroll deductions are another option, withholding as little as a couple of dollars per pay period.*$50 is the minimum contribution. Payroll deductions are another option, withholding as little as a couple of dollars per pay period.

 The ACEC WI Government Affairs Committee encourages your support today.

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Has your firm completed a great project in the last two years? Did a project solve a complex problem, save time and money, or make life in a community better? Every firm has outstanding projects and these solutions make great entries into the 2011 Engineering Excellence Awards competition.

Projects of all sizes and every expertise area are eligible for awards. Last year’s Best of State winners ranged from the Marquette Interchange to a LED lighting upgrade at Lakeland Airport. Projects are scored based on individual merit; size and budget doesn't make a winner, but great engineering does.

Not sure where to begin? Click here to view the Call for Entries, then start asking around your firm for favorite projects. Once you’ve identified top projects, use Easy Entry Workbook to start pulling together your award entry. The submission deadline is October 18.

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Future Leaders Institute – Application Deadline July 9
Excitement is building for the fifth offering of our crown jewel leadership program, the Future Leaders Institute. We’ve already received three applications well ahead of the deadline. There’s still time to apply. Download the brochure and application today. Please contact us at 608-257-9223 if you have any questions about the program or the application process.

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Virtual Seminars & 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 held an open administrative conference on June 1 to again discuss the State Bar’s petition on the unauthorized practice of law. The Court has now granted part of the petition defining the practice of law; however, it did not grant an enforcement mechanism. The Court determined recourse already exists, which was one of ACEC WI’s arguments against the petition. It exempts persons credentialed under Wisconsin Statutes in chapters 440 to 480 or individuals performing services under the supervision of a professional holding the credential. This language should provide protection for most engineering firm employees. The draft document can be viewed at http://wicourts.gov/supreme/docs/0709upldraft.pdf. It remains subject to the Court’s further review and technical correction. However, it appears to bring an end to what began in 2002. Hopefully, this action should have little effect on the consulting engineering industry.

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Business Practices Outreach
Occasionally, ACEC WI receives comments and questions about FAR regulations and complying with what is allowable in overhead rates. The subject came up again during the May principals roundtable meeting in Green Bay. Executive Director Godiksen has been researching possible resources to assist member firms. A morning meeting has been scheduled for July 16 in Fond du Lac to more clearly define the issue and evaluate how ACEC WI can help. We’ll be meeting with an auditor familiar with FAR and WisDOT practices. While participation will be limited because of space, member firms with an interest are encouraged to participate. Please contact ACEC WI for details.

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Member News
Ruekert/Mielke – has announced William J Mielke, PE, RLS has been named Chairman of the Board. Bill replaces John Mielke, PE, who has retired after spending 64 years as a director of the company that he founded. The firm welcomes Michael F Campbell, PE to the board of directors.

Bonestroo – is pleased to announce Stuart Gross, PG (Mequon) as a new associate at the firm.

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Affiliate News
The board of directors has broadened the definition of firms eligible for affiliate membership. The membership committee will begin promoting affiliate membership and recruiting industry partners to join. Please consider asking industry partners you work with to join ACEC WI as an affiliate member. Click here for the affiliate member application.

A number of sponsorship opportunities are available to enhance the value of affiliate membership. Click here for a list of opportunities. A great opportunity is an article right here in this widely read newsletter.

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Committee News
Business Practices – The QBS subcommittee is in the process of turning QBS manual forms into writeable documents to better assist public clients with the QBS process.

DNR – The committee’s July 13 meeting will include a presentation by Ann Coakley, DNR Director, Bureau of Waste and Materials Management.

DOT – The executive subcommittee and transportation task force will be meeting July 14 to prepare an agenda for the committee’s August meeting.

DSF – The liaison group is scheduled to meet July 13 to continue development of the consultant conference, scheduled for November 9 in Madison.

Human Resources – No meeting is scheduled for July.

Government Affairs – The committee is beginning preparation of legislative breakfasts for certain key regions of the state. Breakfasts will be held later in the summer/early fall. The committee is encouraging participation in the ACEC WI Conduit during this very important election season.

Membership – Hoping to continue its success in member firm recruitment, the committee is also focusing on growing the affiliate classification of membership.

Public Relations - The committee will meet July 22 to continue its work on a social media plan and ACEC WI organizational style guidelines. Members are encouraged to join and participate in the ACEC WI LinkedIn Group.

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State Agency News
Department of Natural Resources – The Remediation and Redevelopment Program’s newsletter, the RR Report, is available at:
http://www.wiparks.net/org/aw/rr/news/10/06-08-10.pdf
http://www.wiparks.net/org/aw/rr/news/10/06-24-10.pdf

Department of Regulation and Licensing – The DRLink Partner Edition newsletter is available at http://drl.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=907&locid=0.

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ACEC National News
 

The ACEC 2010 Fall Conference, Innovative Solutions for Dealing with Global Change – the Environment, the Economy, and Engineering, is October 17-20  in Puerto Rico. Register by July 31 to take advantage of the early bird registration rate. Click here  for details and to pre-register at the reduced rate.

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Fraudulent Offer Warning
ACEC has been notified about mail scams involving fraudulent offers to make corporate filings on behalf of registered corporations for a fee. These scams have been reported in a number of states, including but not limited to, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Ohio. Click here for details.

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S Corporation Tax Increase
In mid June, ACEC national alerted its members of a Congressional tax “extenders” bill that included a problematic provision that would increase payroll taxes on certain S corporations. ACEC’s opposition to HR 4213 has focused on the impact on small firms. Letters opposing the provision were sent to Senators Kohl and Feingold by ACEC WI. The Senate has not passed the legislation, at the time of this writing.

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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.

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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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© American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin 2010