Last Word

________________________________________________________________________________________

American Consulting
    Engineers Council

Volume XXII, Number 6
March 29, 2001

1015 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-347-7474
Fax 202-898-0068
www.acec.org

E-mail acec@acec.org

Francis George, Editor
___________________
    
 ACEC Means
Business

Increased ACEC Network Security

ACEC, like many organizations around the world, has experienced its share of computer virus attacks this past year. The recent "Anna Kournikova" virus clogged e-mail systems around the world, spreading from Europe to the United States overnight.

ACEC unwittingly sent infected e-mail messages to MOs, member firms, and others, and as a result, ACEC launched a multi-pronged network security plan to ensure the highest level of protection for its internal network and to minimize the risk of infecting others’ computers.

ACEC’s servers now run fully automated Norton anti-virus updates daily. Unfortunately, Symantec, which sells Norton anti-virus software, did not have the "antidote" for the Kournikova virus until after the virus had done its damage. Although Symantec is an established and reputable company, other providers (such as McAfee) had a leg up on this one.

ACEC is also in the process of installing Symantec’s Raptor Firewall, which will serve as the gateway between our network and the Internet. This tightened security will help prevent hacking and virus outbreaks as well as funnel incoming traffic to a particular network server. This machine will filter all mail traffic before it reaches the mail server, and Symantec’s server-based Norton Enterprise Security Software soon will protect all our workstations from viruses through a centralized location. These measures provide the highest level of security, short of denying e-mail and Internet traffic.

Virus threats will continue to exist for reasons beyond ACEC’s control, but training, education, and safe e-mail practices are key to warding off computer viruses. No matter how secure our network is, it is important for everyone to follow these precautions:

1. Do not open attachments to e-mail messages unless you know exactly what they are and who they are from.

2. Do not open e-mail attachments containing executables or visual basic scripts (i.e., files with ".exe" or ".vbs" name extensions).

3. Do immediately unplug the network cable from your PC, if you think your computer contains a virus; do not shut down your PC in this situation, as this can cause irreparable damage.

Direct questions to ACEC’s Network Administrator, Marc Weiser (mweiser@acec.org).

CCD 2001 – Historic Turnout

ACEC’s annual Consulting Congress Day 2001 (CCD) — this year also featuring the Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) gala — broke attendance records "by a mile" and sent a powerful message to the Executive Branch and Congress that ACEC is committed to achieving its legislative agenda.

Tremendous excitement was generated by the more than 700 ACEC members who traveled to Washington for the March 11-14 CCD activities. They met with members of Congress, promoted issues affecting their businesses, and celebrated EEA award winners.

A Federal Markets Conference featured high-ranking officials from the Navy, Army Corps of Engineers, General Services Administration, and several other key federal government agencies.

  • Hastert, Lott Among 260 Hill Visits

    Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) and White House Director of Political Affairs Ken Mehlman kicked off the "stampede to the Hill" by giving ACEC members a feel for the high-stakes strategy and negotiating taking place at
    (L-R) ACEC members Frank Castles
    and Stanley Spradling
    meet with Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS).
    both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue over the tax cut package.

    ACEC members made more than 260 Hill visits focusing on ACEC’s key issues — opposing the TRAC bill and promoting tax relief. Among the Hill visits were meetings with Senate Majority Leader

    (L-R) ACEC EVP David Raymond;
    Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC);
    NC Exec. Dir. Henry Stikes,
    and ACEC President Arnie Spiess.
    Trent Lott and Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.

    Members of Congress indicated support for ACEC’s positions. At least three members who cosponsored TRAC last year said they would not sign onto this year’s version of the legislation.

     

  • Bush Salutes ACEC

    President Bush sent a congratulatory letter to ACEC for EEA (which was read aloud at the EEA banquet) and invited representatives of ACEC to the White House on Friday, March 6, for a meeting involving a select group of small business owners supporting the President’s tax plan.

    President Arnie Spiess, Ann Trappey of CEC-LA, Small Firms Council Chair Woody Germany, Steve Cavanaugh of CEC-NC, Executive Vice President Dave Raymond, and Government Affairs Director Jack Kalavritinos met with President Bush who thanked participants for their support.

  • Partnering Agreement with US Army Corps of Engineers

    A highlight of CCD’s Federal Markets Conference was the

    General Robert Flowers (left)
    and President Arnie Spiess
    display enlarged agreement.
    signing of a partnering agreement between ACEC and the Army Corps of Engineers.

    The new agreement, signed by ACEC President Arnie Spiess and Chief of Engineers General Robert Flowers, will strengthen the relationship between the two organizations.

    An innovative educational session, "Congressional Insight Simulation," was a new feature of CCD. Hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers, the session allowed ACEC members to role play a day in the life of a member of Congress. All participants enjoyed this novel method of gaining insight into the legislative process.


    Fox News political commentator
    and Fortune magazine DC bureau chief
    Jeff Birnbaum.
    Following the simulation, keynote speaker David Conover, Staff Director of the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee, summarized environmental legislation facing the 107th Congress. Conover endorsed the work of the Water Infrastructure Network in which ACEC is involved and was optimistic about prospects for Brownfields legislation.

    Washington political analyst Jeff Birnbaum of Fox News and Fortune magazine gave a spirited insider’s overview of key issues and goals of Congress and the new administration.

  • Kentucky Governor and 20 Members of Congress at Engineering Excellence

    "The EEA banquet exceeded all our expectations — a sold out attendance, including 20 members of Congress

    (L-R) ACEC member Ralph Palmer;
    Kentucky Secretary of Transportation,
    James Codell; ACEC member
    Bas Gaither; Kentucky Governor,
    Paul Patton; Rep. Ernie Fletcher
    (R-KY); and ACEC members Mike
    Ritchie and Craig Avery.
    and other dignitaries, and rave reviews from membership," said ACEC’s Executive Vice President, Dave Raymond.

    This year’s black-tie awards dinner in Washington, DC, drew nearly 700 guests, a record-breaking attendance. The top EEA winner, receiving ACEC’s Grand Conceptor Award, was American Consulting Engineers, PLC, of Lexington, Kentucky, for its design of the William H. Harsha bridge in Maysville, Kentucky. The Governor of Kentucky, Paul Patton, honored the awardees by attending the gala.


    (L-R) EEA banquet chair Bill Howard
    and his wife Diane with Chief
    of Engineers General Robert
    Flowers and Mrs. Flowers.
    Also recognized for their engineering achievements were 23 other firms that received Grand and Honor awards. A National Finalists award was given to all firms that won at the state level and entered the national program.





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