“Our mission remains the same. But we are adopting a name that will allow us to more effectively communicate on behalf of our members and the industry,” said ACEC Chairman Stephen G. Goddard, P.E., in an interview with an ENR reporter shortly after the momentous vote.

The name change followed more than a year of internal deliberations as well as research by outside public relations counsel (see Nov. 2000 LAST WORD ). Research found that those outside the engineering industry, including legislators, the general public, and other key ACEC audiences, did not readily understand the term “consulting engineer.” The then-proposed new name tested well among these groups as well as the ACEC member audience.

ACEC President David A. Raymond said, “This is an important development for ACEC, whose origins date back nearly a century and whose future as the industry’s leading business association is bright. We are still consulting engineers, but our practice has grown widely and the new name better describes that we are an association of companies rather than individuals.”

The new name does not directly affect ACEC’s MOs. They are free to continue using their current name. It is expected that MOs will consider further steps to align their names with ACEC.

Chairman Goddard; President Raymond
ACEC’s name isn’t the only name change that has occurred this year. Effective May 16, the ACEC President became the Chairman, and the Executive Vice President became the President. Vice Presidents became Vice Chairmen. These title changes for the ACEC leadership were passed by the Board last year.

…And Board Unanimously Approves New Three-year Budget

The ACEC Board of Directors voted unanimously at its May 16 meeting in San Antonio, Texas, to adopt a new three-year budget that covers fiscal years 2001-2004. The approval follows a year’s worth of planning under the direction of a special Budget Committee, chaired by ACEC’s former treasurer, Wayne Shuler. Input to the new budget was provided by ACEC’s various committees, its Board of Directors, MO Presidents and Executive Directors, the Executive Committee, and staff.

“The unanimous Board vote for this budget--unprecedented at ACEC for a budget action of this magnitude--is a tribute to the Budget Committee’s flawless planning including engagement of all members of the ACEC community,” said ACEC President David Raymond.

The new budget addresses ACEC’s basic priorities and puts additional emphasis on enhancing three areas: government affairs/advocacy, business affairs, and information technology. Further, the budget targets areas for increases in non-dues revenue including meetings and conventions, seminars and education programs, and publications. Other goals of this budget include: development of a legal/legislative fund of $1 million by the end of the third year; phasing out of dues support for ACE magazine; funding additional senior lobbyist support; and increased funding for MO state legislative efforts.

Birmingham Engineer Receives
Community Service Award

Alain J. Gallet, President of Gallet & Associates, Inc., Birmingham, AL, received ACEC’s annual Community Service Award during the council’s Annual Convention in San Antonio. Gallet was honored for his service to his community, including his involvement with the Boy Scouts and the Knights of Columbus in Our Lady of the Valley Parish. He serves on the Board of Directors for the North Shelby Library and helps raise funds for a new library building. He is currently president of The Salvation Army Alabaster Corps Advisory Council and engaged in raising funds for a new building.

Alain Gallet (left) receives ACEC Community Service award from Arnie Spiess.

He is president of Leadership Shelby County, which helps business and political leaders stay current on issues and provides a forum for the next generation of local leadership. Gallet recently established a Geotechnical Engineering Fellowship at Auburn University to enable Auburn engineering students to work on an advanced degree.

San Antonio Convention at a Glance...

Renowned historian David McCullough delivered keynote address.

ACEC’s Annual Convention held on May 13-16, in San Antonio, TX, was a huge success. Attendees totalled 825. Guest speakers included internationally renowned author David McCullough and futurist James Canton. Texas Lieutenant Governor and former ACEC President Bill Ratliff gave a warm welcome. The convention offered many opportunities for socializing and networking. Also, ACEC’s publications experienced solid sales at the convention, with many of ACEC’s most popular publications being among the best sellers.

Texas Lt. Governor Bill Ratliff (left) meets with FIDIC President Wayne Bowes.

ACEC’s newest publication, The Design/Build Project Delivery Handbook by Ben Perez, was the best seller. Also making the list is ACEC’s Financial Management for Design Firms by Lowell Getz, as well as WIRED! by David Stone.

To order any of these publications, visit ACEC’s publication web area at http://www.acec.org/publications/index.cfm