ACEC-Backed Tax Legislation Introduced; Member Action Needed Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX) have introduced key ACEC-endorsed tax legislation to preserve engineering firms’ use of the cash method of accounting. H.R. 3255, the Qualified Personal Service Corporation Clarification Act, would update the federal tax code to allow engineering firms to continue to pay taxes in the tax year when payment for services is rendered, rather than using the accrual method, in which taxes are paid in the tax year the service is performed. While IRS eligibility rules for A/E firms to use cash accounting haven’t changed since 1986, the industry has evolved considerably since then, with many firms offering new services and adopting new ownership structures. These changes could put some firms at risk of no longer adhering to the IRS rules.

Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) H.R. 3255 would solve the problem, making modifications to the IRS’s eligibility rules to ensure that firms currently using the cash method would continue to receive the benefits. ACEC members are asked to help build support for this important initiative, by clicking here for a sample letter to FAX or mail to your member of Congress. For more information about the legislation, contact Katharine Mottley, ACEC’s director of tax and regulatory affairs, at (202) 682-4306 or kmottley@acec.org.

Treasury Releases New Information on Stimulus Bond Programs The Treasury Department has announced allocations for states and municipalities for two new bond programs created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to facilitate state and local infrastructure and economic development. Build America Bonds allow state and local governments to access lower-cost funding to develop transportation infrastructure, upgrade water and sewer systems, and build schools and hospitals. Recovery Zone Bonds will fund infrastructure development projects in areas that have experienced high job losses. Click here for a complete list of Recovery Zone Bond allocations. Click here for a state-by-state issuance list of Build America Bonds.

Past ACEC Chairman William Clevenger Dies at 89, Started ACEC/PAC Former ACEC Chairman William Clevenger was an avid sportsman throughout his life. William Clevenger, who served as ACEC chairman in 1977, died on July 9 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Clevenger spent most of his engineering career with Woodward-Clyde Consultants (WCC), rising to the position of Chairman of the Board in 1973. An expert on dam engineering, he co-authored Earth and Earth-Rock Dams, which continues to be used as a text book in college courses. During Clevenger’s tenure as ACEC chairman, the Council started its political action committee (ACEC/PAC), which has grown into the largest PAC in the engineering industry. He also appeared on the covers of Engineering News Record and Civil Engineer. Following his retirement from WCC in 1984, Clevenger moved to Washington and worked as a consultant on dam projects for many years. “Bill believed strongly in ACEC,” said Bill Garrity, executive director of ACEC/Washington. “He was ahead of his time in encouraging engineers to be politically active.” A memorial ceremony will be conducted August 8 at the family cabin on Priest Lake, Idaho. Donations in Clevenger’s name may be made to the University of Wyoming, College of Engineering, 1000 East University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071.

CASE Workshop Examines Sustainable Design Opportunities and Risks ACEC’s Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE) will present a special afternoon workshop, How Can Structural Firms Benefit by Understanding Sustainable Design? on August 19 in Chicago. Held in conjunction with the CASE 2009 Summer Meeting, the workshop will provide an overview of LEED and other recognized rating systems, cover core principles of sustainable building practice and examine environmental impact mitigation through industry case studies. In roundtable discussions, participants will explore technical and business opportunities and barriers within the sustainable design process. Scheduled speakers include Dirk Kestner of Walter P Moore; Helen Torres of Thornton Tomasetti; Terry McDonnell of Halcrow Yolles; Roy Wilson of George Butler Associates, Inc.; and Don Allen of the Steel Framing Alliance. Click here for more information and to register for the workshop. On-site participants will earn four PDHs.

Let 100 Years of Industry Excellence Boost Your Marketing Efforts Include the new ACEC 100th Anniversary Issue in your firm’s marketing portfolio to create a dynamic marketing package for clients. Enhancing your client communications with the 100th Anniversary Issue of Engineering Inc. demonstrates your affiliation with an industry leader that has a century of proven professional quality, influence and excellence. It also reinforces engineering’s important role in the nation’s development over the past century. Combined with your firm’s existing professional profile, the 100th Anniversary Issue will reaffirm that your company is among the industry’s best. Order copies of ACEC’s 100th Anniversary Issue today by clicking here, or by contacting Jackie Pysarchuk at jpysarchuk@acec.org.

Deadline for 2010 Spring Convention Proposals Extended to July 29 In response to requests citing the days lost to fun in the sun around the July 4 holiday, the Institute for Business Management has extended the deadline for session proposals for the ACEC 2010 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit by one week, to Wednesday, July 29. Convention dates are April 25-28, 2010, in Washington, D.C. Sessions are to be 75 minutes and the deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. EDT. For full descriptions of track topics, benefits of presenting, and the presentation entry form and requirements, click here.

Few Openings Remain for Senior Executives Institute September Class 15 ACEC’s prestigious Senior Executives Institute (SEI) still has a few slots remaining for Class 15, which begins in September. Since its inception, SEI has drawn engineers and architects from firms of all sizes, locations and practice specialties because of its highly interactive, energetic, exploratory and challenging learning structure. Through five separate four- or five-day sessions over 18 months, participants acquire new tools to prosper in the changed—and challenging—A/E/C business environment. The program includes lectures from prominent policy makers, presentations and discussions with industry leaders, group discussions and case study work, and extensive reading on cutting-edge leadership and management topics. Executives with at least five years experience managing all aspects of professional design programs or businesses are invited to register now for this important leadership building opportunity. For more information, click here or contact Deirdre McKenna at 202-682-4328 or dmckenna@acec.org.

Manage for Future Success by Investing in Business of Design Consulting Course The Business of Design Consulting: Managing for Success in a Climate of Change October 21-24, St. Louis, MO ACEC’s Business of Design Consulting: Managing for Success in a Climate of Change is a unique and comprehensive update of the elements and functions of the successful A/E business…in the context of a challenging business environment. Content covers the eight key areas of business management, finance, marketing, risk management, contracts, leadership, human resources, and information technology—plus real-world technical examples presented by leading practitioners in the A/E workplace. Created for owners, principals, executives, and managers of A/E firms, this state-of-the-art look at the key components of your operation is a cost-effective investment for succeeding in a more competitive than ever environment. For details and to register at the early bird price, click here.

Add Courtroom Skills, Expert Witness Services With Certificate Course Applying Expertise as an Engineering Expert Witness October 29-30, Dearborn, MI Adding new services such as expert witness capabilities to your firm’s portfolio is a shrewd business strategy, particularly as an extension of existing skills and expertise. However well-qualified your key staff may be, though, only the court-savvy engineer should take on potentially lucrative assignments as an expert witness in legal proceedings. Applying Expertise as an Engineering Expert Witness, ACEC’s unique 1-1/2 day course to qualify engineers, architects and surveyors for recognition as expert witnesses, will be presented Oct. 29-30 in Dearborn, MI. Participants earn a certificate of course completion equipping them for legal service. For details and course agenda, click here. In completing this course, attendees take an important first step towards qualifying for the professional designation of Engineer Expert Witness (EXW). For information on the EXW designation program, e-mail ebajer@acec.org.

BIM Course Faculty Present Insider Look at Technology, Risks, Advantages Building Information Modeling (BIM): The Promise and The Reality for A/E/C Firms October 29-30, Seattle Is BIM a competitive edge? Is it increasingly a factor in gaining new business for firms that utilize it? According to a McGraw-Hill SmartMarket Report, “the benefits are tangible and the risks of not participating outweigh those of getting engaged.” To address current and future industry challenges, ACEC will present Building Information Modeling (BIM): The Promise and The Reality for A/E/C Firms on October 29-30 in Seattle. This 2009 version of the course will be an informative and timely look into the many components of the increasingly popular BIM interdisciplinary project delivery system. Course faculty will include industry innovators who are transforming the BIM multi-dimensional project planning concept into an A/E/C marketplace advantage. The 1-1/2 day agenda will be segmented into reasons for change; exploring the technology and interoperability; implementation strategies and IT case study; an updated look into risk management and insurance for “BIM-ready” firms; and a new segment on BIM from the M/E/P perspective. This course will be ideal for firm principals planning, considering or beginning to implement BIM. For details and to register at best advance price, click here.

A/E Finance Professionals to Meet September 14-15 in Chicago ACEC’s Finance Forum for industry finance professionals has opened registration for the next meeting, set for September 14-15 in Chicago. The popular Forum event provides attendees the opportunity to network with peers and exchange valuable information and best practices. Planned topics for the fall meeting include the economic downturn, the stimulus package, cash flow, acquisitions, ESOPs and additional areas of interest that may arise. The Forum is open to members and non-members. Click here to register.

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The American Council of Engineering Companies 1015 15th St., NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20005-2605 Phone: 202-347-7474 - Fax: 202-898-0068 www.acec.org - E-mail:acec@acec.org Alan D. Crockett, Director, PR • Gerry Donohue, Designer