ACEC Continues To Drive Congress For Effective H-1B Visa Reform The comprehensive immigration reform bill being debated this week in the Senate contains several ACEC-supported measures, but falls short on important reforms to boost the ability of firms to hire international talent. The bill (S.1348) contains language that would give the student and employer more time to obtain a green card, and would increase the H-1B visa cap from 65,000 to 115,000 per year—both provisions strongly endorsed by ACEC. The bill, however, would eliminate an existing law that allows for an additional 20,000 visas for highly skilled workers holding advanced degrees from U.S. universities. ACEC, in conjunction with coalition partners, is continuing to meet with Senate leaders to urge inclusion of language that would provide exemptions from the H-1B cap for advanced degree holders. "The current bill's H-1B proposal simply doesn't provide enough visas to meet the demand of high-skilled industries," said ACEC President Dave Raymond. "This year, over 120,000 H-1B visa applications were submitted in the first two days of the enrollment period for 65,000 available visas. Without exemptions from the cap, the H-1B visa program will continue to be exhausted in the first day of the enrollment period." The Senate bill also proposes to replace the employee-based green card program with a new "merit-based" points system that will restrict the ability of employers to recruit and retain key talent in a predictable process. The merit-based system also does not provide enough green cards to help address a current backlog of applications and the future demand for skilled workers. In addition to the exemptions sought by ACEC for H-1B visas, ACEC will continue to advocate for exemptions for highly skilled advanced degree-holders from the merit-based system.

ACEC Professional Liability Insurance Survey of Member Firms Ends Friday The deadline for responding to the 2007 ACEC Professional Liability Insurance Survey of Member Firms for Fiscal Year 2006 is this Friday, May 25. This annual survey collects information on member firms' professional liability insurance, their claims experience, and the impact of the threat of litigation. Member firms that respond to the survey will receive a free copy of the complete results upon request. The survey results will also be available for sale through the ACEC Bookstore. Member firms can take the survey by clicking here. It is critical that ACEC receives only one response from each member firm. Therefore, only the key principal, risk manager, or another member of the firm designated by the key principal, should fill out this survey. In order to preserve the confidential nature of this survey, the form does not request your firm's name or other contact information. The results of the survey will be compiled and a summary published in the July/August 2007 issue of Engineering Inc. Don't miss out on this last chance to take the survey and receive a free copy of the results!

Hot ACEC Summer Courses on Business of Design Consulting and Green Infrastructure June 20-23, Boston, MA—The Business of Design Consulting (BDC): A Best Practices Educational Event for the Engineering Firm of the 21st Century This is the course previous attendees have called "outstanding," "well worth the time," and "a great learning experience." Click here to register. July 16-19, Denver, CO—Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Communities A new certificate program for engineers, planners, developers and A/E/C professionals presented by ACEC and Colorado State University, this course lays out the interdisciplinary challenges of real world sustainability. Click here to register.

Upcoming Online Seminars Merger & Acquisition Transactions—Getting Deals Done May 30, 1:30-3 p.m.                   1.5 PDHs Colvin Matheson, Matheson Financial Advisors, looks at the merger and acquisition environment and reviews the basics of firm valuation as well as the nuances of deal structure and ultimately closing the transaction. Click here for details and to register. Proven Strategies for Enhancing Performance June 6, 1:30-3 p.m.                   1.5 PDHs Based on the findings of Bright Enterprises' 2003-06 Strategies for Enhancing Performance Study, Deb Bright will present insights and discussion on the most effective performance control practices, creating a more effective work environment and mitigating the negative effects of stress. Click here for details and to register. How to Plan Your Project More Effectively June 13, 1-4 p.m. (Special 3-hour session!)           3 PDHs Gary Bates, Roenker Bates Group argues that the planning process—done right—is the single most important component in ensuring a successful project. This special extended three-hour session focuses on the details of how to do that process right, and the resulting benefits to all parties. Click here for details and to register.

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