ACEC Hosts Reps. Boozman, Mitchell at Council Headquarters ACEC Chairman Tim Psomas (left) and Rep. John Boozman (R-AR) discussed transportation and water issues during a fundraiser this week at ACEC headquarters in Washington. ACEC hosted an industry event this week to support the re-election effort of Congressman John Boozman (R-AR), an important member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and senior Republican on the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee. In his fifth term, Boozman has emerged as an important ally on major infrastructure priorities, including the current effort to achieve early action on a new transportation program to replace SAFETEA-LU. The Arkansas lawmaker will also play a critical role in the coming months as the House and Senate move forward on a significant expansion of programs to fund water and wastewater projects around the country. “Congressman Boozman appreciates the critical link between investment in the nation’s transportation and water infrastructure and economic growth,” said ACEC Chairman Tim Psomas, “as well as the essential role the private sector plays in delivering infrastructure improvements to the public.”

Paul Weida of Black & Veatch (left) discussed industry priorities with Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) at an ACEC event for the Congressman. The Council also hosted an engineering industry orientation session for Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-AZ), who is a new member of the House committee. Mitchell has been supportive of key industry priorities, including recently passed aviation and water legislation. “This was a good opportunity to have an industry-focused discussion with the Congressman,” said Paul Weida of Black & Veatch. “I think he walked away with a better understanding of our priorities and our role in growing the economy.”

NASA’s David Doody Joins Speaker Lineup at ACEC Fall Conference NASA’s David Doody will describe the exciting mission to Saturn at ACEC’s Fall Conference. David Doody, who is flight operations lead engineer for NASA’s Cassini Mission to Saturn, will share some of the stunning discoveries from the mission at the ACEC 2009 Fall Conference in Palm Springs, Calif., October 7-10. Former Mexican President Vicente Fox will deliver a keynote address at the Conference, discussing the global economy and America’s role. Conference sessions will address industry trends, markets, and business practices in today’s challenging economy, including leveraging ARRA dollars, identifying new capital sources, taking advantage of new business opportunities, and moving towards web-based project management. For more Conference information and to register, click here. For hotel reservations, contact the La Quinta directly at: (760) 564-4111 and reference “ZACE.” For other questions or information, contact the ACEC Meetings team at meetings@acec.org.

CASE Workshop Examines Sustainable Design Opportunities and Risks ACEC’s Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE) will present an August 19 workshop in Chicago titled: How Can Structural Firms Benefit by Understanding Sustainable Design? Held in conjunction with the CASE 2009 Summer Meeting, the workshop will provide an overview of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) 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.

Stimulus Effects on Energy and Recession Marketing are August Online Topics Recession Marketing—How to Win in Tough Times August 18, 1:30-3 p.m. In the face of a prolonged economic slump and curtailed budgets, governments as well as private sector clients have slowed down or pulled back on capital improvements, resulting in more A/E firms competing for fewer projects. Clare Ross, The Clare Ross Organization, will focus on the value aspects of pricing and marketing how engineering firms can hone their competitive edge. For details and to register, click here. Exploring Stimulus Spending Effects on Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) Implementation August 19, 1:30-3 p.m. Get an inside look into the implications of EISA on future federal and private infrastructure—including building designs—and how stimulus spending will integrate with those requirements. Matt Gray, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, addresses the A/E industry’s stake in current and future EISA planning. For details and to register for this seminar, click here.

Senior Executives Institute Has Final Few Openings for 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.

Business of Design Consulting Provides Updates for Key Management Functions 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, 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 Provides Insight into Risks, Technology, Competitive Advantage 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.

ACEC Finance Forum 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