Kasich, Robertson Featured Speakers The 2006 Fall Conference features two noted speakers: John Kasich, the popular FOX TV host and former Congressman who will provide an in-depth political analysis, plus Leslie Robertson, who designed some of the world's most famous skyscrapers including the World Trade Center. The Conference is co-sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO); the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA); and the National Association of State Facilities Administrators (NASFA). The event brings together both owners and practitioners to address markets and issues in transportation, water, buildings, industrial process, business management, and project delivery. Professional business forums, memorable social events, and always popular ACEC/PAC activities also are scheduled. Early bird discounts are available until August 25. Click here to register online and save an additional 5 percent.

Senate Committee Approves F.Y. '07 Transportation Spending Bill The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2007 Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary and HUD appropriations bill late last week that provides significant funding increases for transit, Amtrak and the airport improvement program. The bill proposes $39.1 billion for highways—the same level as the President's request and the level mandated in SAFETEA LU, while funding for transit is earmarked at $8.8 billion—a $342 million increase over last year. Funding for Amtrak is set at $1.4 billion, some $500 million more than the President's request and $100 million more than last year; while $3.52 billion is provided for the airport improvement program, an increase of $770 million over the President's request. The action by the committee now means that the bill will move to the Senate floor for consideration which could occur either next week before the Senate recesses for August or upon its return in September.

ACEC Opposes Planned Federal Withholding Mandate ACEC sent a letter this week to Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) in support of legislation he introduced—S. 2821, the Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2006—that seeks to repeal a planned tax withholding requirement for all government contracts. Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 is a new mandate that directs federal, state and local governments to withhold 3 percent from payments for goods and services beginning in 2011. This new tax withholding requirement affects all government contracts as well as any payment to any person for a service or product to a government entity. ACEC is a part of a multi-association coalition dedicated to the repeal of Section 511 because the withholding would be based on revenues from government payments with no relationship to a company's taxable income. The withholding also would have an adverse impact on an A/E firm's day-to-day operations. Click here to view ACEC's letter to Senator Craig.

ACEC 2007 Annual Convention And Legislative Summit "Call for Presentations" The ACEC 2007 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit will be held May 6-9, 2007 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, DC. This program will provide an outstanding combination of networking opportunities, education sessions, tours and exhibits. If you have a topic that might be of interest to attendees at this annual meeting, Click here to download the 2007 Annual Convention Call for Presentations. Submissions are due August 21, 2006.

August Online Seminars

August 9: Get in Shape! Today's Fitness Plan for Your Presentations
Joanne G. Linowes, Linowes Executive Development International

This seminar will offer specific techniques to enhance presentations for firms seeking to win and perform new work. ACEC's 2006 Industry Survey presents an in-depth analysis on several elements of business performance and markets, and provides detailed data summaries.

Click here for more information and to register.

August 23: Top 10 Business Trends from ACEC's 2006 Industry Survey
Paul Haglund, Greeley and Hanson; Jill Holcomb, ACEC

Learn about the latest trends and gain valuable insights from ACEC members, and see how your firm fits into the bigger industry picture. ACEC's 2006 Industry Survey presents an in-depth analysis on several elements of business performance and markets, and provides detailed data summaries.

Click here for more information and to register.

August 30: Design and Delivery: Using Technology for Better Teamwork
Jonathan Knowles, Autodesk, Inc.

This seminar will discuss how engineers and design professionals can leverage technology to better manage information and workflows across the lifecycle of projects. A real-life example will show how effective collaboration can reduce cycle times, maximize resources, reduce costs and errors, and ensure access to the right information when and where it is needed.

Click here for more information and to register.

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