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Volume XXIII,
Number 14
April 19, 2002
1015 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-347-7474
Fax
202-898-0068
www.acec.org
E-mail acec@acec.org
Ellen
Mullally, Editor
Francis George, Production Manager
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ACEC Means
Business
ACEC/PAC is a key part of the Council’s advocacy program, helping to
elect candidates to the House and Senate who share our commitment to
infrastructure investment and promoting the private sector. ACEC/PAC
depends on support from our members – click HERE for a list of your
colleagues who have contributed to the PAC in
2002. VA Official To Headline Next Market Forecast
Event Thomas Anglim, director of project management services for the
Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA), will headline the next Market Forecast Series event on May 2
at 12 p.m. EDT. Anglim’s office is currently responsible for managing
design and construction of more than 60 projects valued at approximately
$1 billion. He will present information regarding the VA’s projects
for: New Engineer/Owner Short Form
Agreement The long-awaited engineer/owner short form agreement (# E-520)—an
abbreviated version of the flagship EJCDC Owner/Engineer agreement
1910-1—is now available for downloading on the ACEC Web site. The cost to
download the document is $100 for members and $200 for non-members. A hard
copy version is $25 for members and $50 for non-members, plus $4 shipping
and handling. Purchase it online at www.acec.org/publications or
contact Rina Lee (publications@acec.org,
202-682-4332). Going, Going, Gone! Federal Markets Conference On CD Or
Tape The Federal Government generates billions of dollars annually in
business opportunities for engineering firms. Last month 200 members
attended ACEC’s Federal Markets Conference for the very latest business
opportunities and procurement news. If you weren’t able to attend, the
conference presentations are available from ACEC’s Publications Department on CD or audiotape. Supplies are limited, CLICK HERE to order a copy.
Attend in person at ACEC Headquarters in Washington, D.C., or log on as
a teleconference participant to find out more about opportunities for your
firm during this monthly market series. Go to http://www.acec.org/meetmein/
seminars/mfs.pdf to register and for more
information.
NACECE Seminar In Las Vegas Offers Self-Audit Advice
Robert Harris, a long-time association management consultant and chairman of Harris Management Group, will discuss association self-audits with MO executive directors and guide them through this process during an NACECE Association Management Seminar Saturday, May 11, from 2-5 p.m. at the Rio All-Suites Hotel in Las Vegas. Harris’ Association Self-Auditing Processã is used by nonprofit organizations around the world to increase organizational productivity, effectively train staff and reduce risks. The seminar is sponsored in part by CNA Insurance Companies and Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. For more information, contact Andrea Keeney (akeeney@acec.org or 202-347-7474).
Developing An Effective Health And Safety Program
A recent study conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company found that more than 60 percent of companies receive a Return on Investment of $3 for every $1 invested in improving job safety. Whether you’re thinking about starting a safety program or looking for ways to improve your existing program, you will learn a great deal by attending the Annual Convention session, "ACEC Safety Guidelines 1 to 5: How A/Es Can Develop An Effective Health And Safety Program," Wednesday, May 15, from 8:30-9:45 a.m.
The session is being led by James Suttle, executive vice president of HDR Engineering and vice-chair of ACEC’s Risk Management Committee. As he explained: "Having a health and safety program sends a strong message about your firm’s commitment to the well-being of each employee."
For more information, visit www.acec.org or contact the ACEC Meetings and Convention Department at 202-347-7474.
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House Passes ACEC-Backed Tax Package The House yesterday passed legislation (H.R. 586) to make permanent the tax changes enacted last year. ACEC led the industry coalition that was instrumental in obtaining passage of the package—including tax reductions for individuals and businesses—and is now calling on Congress to make those reductions, which will expire at the end of 2010, permanent. ACEC and others in the business community argue that the tax package has and will continue to help stimulate the economy in the short term, and assure more durable growth in the long term. Small business owners and entrepreneurs will receive 79 percent of the tax benefits with the reduction in the top income tax rates. Nearly 75 percent of the 30.5 million taxpayers with income from flow-through entities (i.e., owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations) will receive a tax reduction. "Many of ACEC’s members are small businesses that are now benefiting from the tax changes enacted into law last year," said President Dave Raymond. "It is vitally important that Congress take action to make sure these benefits continue." House Committee Takes Up ACEC-Supported Expedited Review Process Legislation The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is circulating draft legislation that reflects ACEC’s priorities to expedite the environmental review process for transportation projects. The bill addresses many of the complaints that ACEC had about the implementing regulations proposed by the Federal Highway Administration in May 2000. Known as the Expediting Project Delivery to Improve Transportation and the Environment Act (ExPDITE), the "discussion draft" proposal would grant transportation agencies greater authority over the review process to reduce delays in moving needed transportation projects forward. ACEC will continue working with committee staff to build support for the ExPDITE legislation. The committee is expected to introduce the proposal later this year, although it may be folded into the TEA-21 reauthorization bill in 2003. Pension Benefits Issue In Wake Of Enron In light of the Enron situation, various proposals have been made in Congress to respond to perceived inadequacies in corporate pension systems. However, ACEC is concerned that some of these proposals may actually weaken the pension system rather than strengthening it. The current system, including its enforcement provisions under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), has worked well for the most part. ACEC supports the current retirement system and the continued positive trends in retirement coverage. "Employee ownership plans are highly successful programs that for many decades have provided substantial wealth to millions of American workers," said Maureen Dupell, president of HR Catalysts and a member of ACEC’s Management Practices Committee. "One of the hallmarks of the current system is flexibility for employers to design a benefits package that is most appropriate for their workers." ACEC is particularly concerned about legislation (S. 1992), introduced by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and now pending in the Senate, that would impose new and burdensome mandates on companies that offer pension plans to their employees. If Congress and the administration pursue a legislative response to the Enron situation, ACEC will seek an exemption for privately held companies, most notably an exemption from any changes to the diversification rules concerning age and years of service. Minnesota 29th To Adopt National Brand Last week, Minnesota became the 29th MO to adopt the new name and national standard. Click HERE for a complete list. In addition, seven other MOs are in the process of changing their names. Joe Hallberg, president of ACEC/Minnesota, said: "The main reason we voted to make the change is because of the importance for collective recognition on a national scale for each of the member organizations." ACEC/Minnesota Executive Director David Oxley added that the change was made because "our members understand the value of having a national brand for the association." ACEC Chairman Steve Goddard said that he is "gratified to see such a strong response by our member organizations in adopting a common name and standard designed to help achieve the important business goals of the federaton." Have fun in Las Vegas next month during ACEC’s Annual Convention and support ACEC/PAC at the same time. ACEC/PAC is hosting a golf tournament on Saturday, May 11, at Badlands Golf Club. The tournament includes lunch, a gift bag, and prizes for the best foursome and the longest drive. Hole sponsors will have their company name featured on the course.
ACEC/PAC needs sponsors and auction items to make these events a success. Corporate sponsors will have their name and logo featured prominently at all of the ACEC/PAC events. Auction donors will receive special recognition during the auction. Click HERE for sponsorship information or contact Susan Doyle (202-347-7474 or sdoyle@acec.org). ACEC Announces New HR Seminars ACEC’s two new human resources (HR) seminars are designed to turn a company’s HR function into a valuable strategic partner. Unlocking the Potential of Human Resources: An Interactive Seminar for Principals and CEOs gives firm leaders insight into the benefits and methods used to energize the HR function. The seminar—led by David Wahby, president of Wahby and Associates, a leading management consulting group for design firms—is being held on May 31 in Chicago and June 3 in Philadelphia. The registration fee is $355 ($300 for multiple registrants from the same firm) and includes a luncheon with a speaker. For information on the seminar, contact Roger Doucette (rdoucette@acec.org, 202-682-4330). Human Resources: The Art of Compensation and Transition, designed for HR directors and administrators, is being led by the Coxe Group, one of the oldest and largest multi-discipline management consulting firms serving the design profession. Early bird registration (through May 20) is $179 for ACEC members and $250 for non-members. There are eight dates and locations to choose from. Click here for a complete list or contact Anna Johnson (ajohnson@acec.org or 202-682-4349).
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