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TEA-21 Extended for Five Months; ACEC Backs $2 Billion More Per Year For Highways
President Bush signed legislation into law this week that will keep federal highway and transit funding flowing to the states for an additional five months. TEA-21 expired on September 30, and the extension was necessary to ensure the continued flow of federal funds for projects while Congress works to complete a six-year package.
On a related front, ACEC is urging Congress to include a provision in the new comprehensive energy bill that would provide an additional $2 billion per year in highway funding. ACEC is seeking to eliminate the existing subsidy for ethanol, and bring the tax rate for ethanol up to the rate levied for gasoline, which would generate the additional $2 billion annually in Highway Trust Fund revenues. The subsidy would be replaced by a tax credit for ethanol producers.
In a letter to Senate and House members, ACEC President Dave Raymond said the proposed changes would create "an effective solution to a complicated fuel delivery and tax collection system while fostering sound energy, tax and transportation investment policy." |
| Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin And Wyoming Lead The Pack For ACEC/PAC
Phil Beer, Indiana
ACEC/PAC Trustee |
ACEC of Indiana, ACEC of Kentucky, ACEC of Wisconsin and ACEC of Wyoming are the first among all state organizations to meet and exceed the fundraising goals established for 2003 on behalf of ACEC/PAC.
Earlier this year, ACEC/PAC trustees agreed to individual fundraising goals for each state, with an overall goal of $250,000 in 2003. Each state goal was established based on membership strength within the state.
ACEC of Indiana, led by ACEC/PAC Trustee Phil Beer, former ACEC Chairman Steve Goddard and Executive Director Stephanie Morse, hold the distinction of bringing in the most money — $6,630 — as well as mobilizing the highest number of individual donors for ACEC/PAC. In 2002, only four ACEC members from the Hoosier State contributed to ACEC/PAC. In 2003, that figure has risen to 64 donors.
"Most of our members understand that an effective national advocacy program starts with an effective political program," said Indiana ACEC/PAC Trustee Phil Beer. "As a consequence, getting them to write a check in support of ACEC/PAC is surprisingly easy - you simply have to ask."
Several other state organizations are also making strong progress in meeting their goals, including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, New York, Oregon, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas, Iowa, Michigan and Washington.
For more information on how to support ACEC/PAC, contact Lorna O'Hara at (202) 347-7474, or lohara@acec.org. |
| October 1 Market Forecast Series: GSA Details Billion Dollar Courthouse Construction Program
GSA's Chief Engineer David Eakin |
More than 170 people heard David Eakin, chief engineer at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) discuss the numerous contract opportunities for ACEC member companies at his agency, during ACEC's Market Forecast Series on Wednesday.
GSA's construction program includes major repair and alterations projects, currently involving over $1 billion in construction each year. GSA is pursuing a major courthouse construction program, typically involving five to eight new design starts each year, with more than a hundred courthouses yet to be built.
These projects support GSA's growing inventory, currently involving 1,641 public buildings. GSA also leases space in over 7,000 more buildings, with the combined inventory housing almost a million federal employees.
Eakin noted that when it comes to project criteria, GSA requires a "comprehensive and integrated approach," which requires designers to work in multi-discipline teams from the very beginning. Standards should be equal for all job initiatives such as historic preservation, fire safety, high wind or operations. Project criteria can be viewed atwww.gsa.gov/p100. |
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"We must work together to create win-win design solutions," said Eakin.
To address GSA and other government agency design standards and delivery practices, he recommends accessing the "Whole Building Design Guideline" at www.wbdg.org.
Mr. Eakin stressed that 95 percent of all GSA property development funding goes toward contract services. To explore marketing opportunities, Eakin recommends contacting GSA's Property Development Directors for each of the 11 GSA regions within the United States at http://www.gsa.gov. All GSA and other Government contract opportunities are advertised through the Federal Business Opportunities website www.FedBizOpps.gov.
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To view the comprehensive list of ACEC Institute For Business Management's workshops and seminars go to www.acec.org.
Workshops/Seminars
Project Management: The Road to Profitability
October 16-17 — Nashville, Tenn.
November 13-14 — Houston, Texas
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 productivity through the allocation of resources, develop a comprehensive and effective project plan, 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.
ACEC members $545/Non-members $745
Click here to register.
Online Seminars
The Eight Deadly Sins of Practice
Thomas H. Porterfield, Jr., Victor O, Schinnerer & Company, Inc. Presented by CNA/Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc
October 15
A key component to a successful practice is the ability to identify and manage business and liability risks that are inherent in a firm's practice. This program will focus on eight critical project management issues that demonstrate the liability risks that drain profit margins for design firms.
Members $199/non-members $249
Click here for more information or to register.
Brains & Alignment? It's the Execution that Bedevils Us
Pat Holcomb, The Picus Group
November 5
Long-range planning accomplished through open dialogue and supported by a strong action plan usually means a profitable, successful organization…it’s the execution that bedevils us!
This session will help in identifying and developing potential leaders for your staff, articulate essential skills and attitudes, and appropriately align talent and leadership needs to ensure successful plan execution.
Members $199/non-members $249
Click here for more information or to register.
On-Site Seminars From ACEC's Education Partner PSMJ
ACEC Education Partners Seminar Series: PSMJ's Principals Bootcamp
Become an effective principal who dramatically increases profits. These interactive workshops will prepare you to tackle fundamental business areas crucial to leading and growing your design firm. This series offers five opportunities to develop leadership skills and become a more effective principal.
October 30-31 — Boston, Mass.
November 6-7 — Santa Barbara, Calif.
November 20-21 — Tampa, Fla.
December 4-5 — Seattle, Wash.
December 11-12 — Las Vegas, Nevada
Click here to register.
Click here to review past editions of the Last Word.
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