|
Vol. XXIV, Number 33 September 5, 2003 1015 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 202-347-7474 Fax 202-898-0068 www.acec.org E-mail acec@acec.org Alan D. Crockett, Director, PR Ann Brandstadter, Editor/Designer |
 |
Business
| ACEC Receives Largest Book Order ACEC's Publications Department has received its largest ever order for an ACEC publication — 5,000 copies — for A Guideline Addressing Coordination and Completeness of Structural Construction Documents (962-D), prepared by CASE. The order was requested by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), which plans to distribute the publication to its members providing them with the basis for a specific quality management plan and a method of implementation. The guideline covers the important aspects of design relationships and guidance on dimensioning of structural drawings. To order 962-D from the ACEC website — click here and enter the keyword "coordination" in the "Contract Documents" search box.
10% Discount On ACEC is now offering a 10 percent discount on the total cost of a Organziational Peer Review to all firms that register for a Review by September 15, 2003. Peer Reviews focus on many areas ranging from financial management and business development to professional development and quality management. The program can be an excellent tool to solve old problems, as well as to uncover new and unnoticed issues. All interested firms should contact Kevin Wilson at kwilson@acec.org The special promotion is only for a limited time, so, make the best decision for your firm and register for the Organizational Peer Review.
ACEC's Grand Don't miss your chance to win a luxury vacation, including airfare and a 7-night stay at the luxurious Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu! You will be automatically entered to win with each EJCDC Full Set of Contracts purchase or ACEC Fall Conference Registration. Click here for contest details!
Quality Management As one of ACEC's Guidelines to Practice publications, Quality Management Guidelines helps you and those in your organization identify and address the issues most critical to customer satisfaction and retention, effective and efficient operations and a healthy bottom line. "These guidelines, developed by principals of ACEC firms, provide a menu with numerous choices to help a firm develop or enhance its own quality management program." —Gary E. Loesch, Executive Vice President, H2M Group: Holzmacher, Mclendon & Murrell, P.C.
$69 ACEC members; Click here to order this publication.
Also available on CD! Contracts and the Legal Environment for Engineers and Architects Written by Joseph T. Bockrath, professor of law and contracts specialist, this book introduces every aspect of contracts and how they apply to engineers, architects, construction managers and contractors. By using case studies, examples, and eliminating technical language and legalese, Bockrath presents the "how's and why's" of contracts and specifications in the industry in an easy-to-understand format. Use this book as a guide to familiarize yourself with the legal environment of your business. $110.93. Click here to order this publication.
|
|
Anti-Outsourcing Threats Loom in Congress; ACEC Issues Call To Action To Members This week’s return by Congress finds ACEC and its coalition allies engaged in a major grassroots lobbying campaign against a number of pending anti-outsourcing initiatives. Federal employee unions and pro-labor lawmakers have urged the insertion of language in several FY ’04 appropriation bills that would slow the growth of contracting opportunities for ACEC members with federal agencies. Language in the Interior and Defense Appropriations bills would impede the ability of agencies such as the National Park Service, the Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Geological Survey to open their engineering services to competition from the private sector. ACEC is working with industry allies and Capitol Hill contacts to stop any anti-outsourcing language from being included during the appropriations process. ACEC members should voice their opposition, especially with members of the House Appropriations Committee and all Senators. A link to the sample letter is listed below. ACEC members should personalize the letter with the name of your company, the number of employees and a short overview on the type of services you provide to the Federal government. Further information is available by contacting ACEC Director of Procurement Policy, Camille Fleenor at 202-682-4343.
Nick Faldo-Designed Golf Course, Frank Lloyd Wright Tour, Highlight Phoenix PAC Events Imagine sizing up your next golf shot on a picturesque course framed by the mountains of the Southwest. Or imagine touring the 600-acre former winter home of the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, a structure considered today as one of the most impressive examples of building construction. This and more will be offered to ACEC/PAC members during the upcoming Annual Conference in Phoenix October 8-11, at the new J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa. ACEC/PAC will host a golf tournament for members on Saturday, October 11, at the Wildfire Course located on the hotel premises. Vistas of mountains and the Sonoran Desert frame the 174-acre site, Nick Faldo-designed course. Other ACEC/PAC events include a silent auction, a fly-fishing excursion, a raffle drawing to win a grand prize, and a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, a 600-acre complex considered one of the greatest architectural efforts. 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. Contact Lorna O’Hara (202-347-7474 or lohara@acec.org) for more registration, sponsorship or ACEC/PAC event information. New ACEC Info Management Systems Praised By Association Management Magazine
In a feature titled "Intentional IT: Whatever Your Future Technology Plans, A Technology Road Map Is A Must," the story noted ACEC President Dave Raymond's vision for the Council's IT systems to enhance its world-class advocacy and business programs. In two years, ACEC has deployed a new association management software system and drastically upgraded its Web site. Last month ACEC unveiled its new member portal to support e-commerce activity, and to include a searchable member directory. The story goes on to explain the steps ACEC undertook to develop and implement its deliberate technology strategy, including gathering input from staff, leadership and members to gain an accurate determination of technology needs. "Our organizational strategic plan stretches to take ACEC to the next level," said ACEC Operations Vice President, Mary Ann Emely. "To get there, we needed the enabling technology, and we've got it now." “The essential elements for staying at the technological forefront include remembering what strategy brought us here, engaging in measurement tools to ensure that we remain on track, using the resouces that provide top notch guidance, and never losing sight of the fact that it’s all about meeting our members’ needs.”
Workshops/Seminars
Marketing: Raising the Bar In this seminar participants learn how to analyze industry trends and develop new tools for business development including how to emphasize the marketing function throughout your firm, apply new methods to enhance current relationships, and develop a working plan to position your firm for consistent new business. Click here to register. Registration Fee: ACEC/SMPS members $645/Non-members $845
Project Management: The Road to Profitability This seminar examines the stages of managing a project and the project manager's role. It will help managers calculate project profitability and understand project budgeting methods and cost estimating. It will also discuss how to build a project team that increases efficiencies and productivity through the allocation of resources, develop a comprehensive and effective project plan, and increase client retention and gain referrals using proven client relations tools and techniques. Two great locations provide two opportunities for design professionals to develop valuable skills that can be implemented on your next project.
Click here to register.
Business of Design Consulting Leadership Seminar This intensive, multi-day course offers up-and-coming design firm leaders the chance to look in-depth into eight different management areas and learn from renowned industry experts. Leadership and Human Resources for the A/E Firm with Pat Holcomb of the Picus Group, Finance and Business Management with Bill Fanning of PSMJ, Information Technology with Mike Ingardia of Systems Management Consultants, Inc., Legal & Risk Management with Bob Crist of Black & Veatch and Marketing and Project Delivery with David Stone of FMI. Individual modules feature hands-on activities, extensive discussion and interactive workshops to prepare you for difficult issues ahead. Click here to register or contact Sandrine Mailli at Education@acec.org. Early bird cut-off date of September 30, 2003
|
