The bill (H.R. 7), which is expected to clear the House committee today, includes several ACEC recommended changes: it consolidates numerous transportation programs to improve efficiency, provides states with more flexibility to manage their programs, streamlines the project delivery process, and expands opportunities for tolling and private sector investment in projects.

"This legislation will provide a critical boost to the economy at a time when we need it most," said Raymond.

Companion transportation legislation is currently working its way through the Senate.

Click here to access the text of the bill and a summary.

The bill provides $3.35 billion annually for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), consistent with 2012 funding levels and an increase above the House-passed bill.

The agreement also includes an ACEC-initiated provision supporting the use of QBS on airport projects funded solely with passenger facility charges, which are not currently subject to federal QBS mandates.

The Ohio constitution requires that taxes from motor fuel sales go to highway infrastructure, but proceeds from the state's Commercial Activity Tax (CAT), which applies to all businesses in the state including motor fuel sellers, have gone into the General Fund.

A group of contractors and engineers brought suit to ensure that CAT proceeds from motor fuel sales are used for highways. In May 2010, the trial court ruled against them and the decision was upheld on appeal. In December 2011, the Ohio Supreme Court voted unanimously to hear the case.

For information on The Minuteman Fund, click here.

Both Councils will offer a full slate of targeted speakers, panel discussions, and sessions. The CFO program will focus on strategic planning, M&A and capital markets, and the regulatory climate. The CIO program will address cloud computing, emerging technologies, and how technology can enhance top- and bottom-line growth.

For more information on the CFO and CIO Councils, click here. For more information on the Convention, click here.

This year the Small Firm Council (SFC) in partnership with the Family Business Institute will offer a two-part seminar on Making the Leap from Engineer to Business Leader moderated by Wayne Rivers, co-founder and President of the Institute.

Topics will include: the building blocks necessary to transform yourself from an engineering professional to running a professional engineering firm; how to develop your own leadership capabilities as well as those of other "high potentials" in your company, and how to transition ownership as well as management in your firm.

Click here for more information and to register.

A faculty of industry experts will provide in-depth, custom-tailored instruction on leadership, strategic planning and growth, finance, ownership transition, marketing, contracts and risk management.

For more information and to register for the Business of Design Consulting, click here.

In Know What Drives Your Clients—Make Your Firm Invaluable, Rich Friedman, Friedman & Partners, will explore four types of client research tools: client/prospect perception studies, continuous client monitoring, project satisfaction surveys/interviews, and reference validation.

Friedman will answer key questions relevant to effective research practices including: When should firms employ each of the four research tools? How can firms leverage the data yielded in real time to address problems and seize opportunities? How can firms use the data to modify their positioning and business development strategies, as well as their project delivery process?

Click here to register.

Wage and hour issues—including who is entitled to receive overtime premium pay, as well as definitions of mandatory meal and rest periods—have become the basis for a growing number of lawsuits nationwide, including large class action and representative lawsuits.

In an invaluable new webinar, Wage and Hour Issues in Today's A/E Industry, Eli Gould, MBV Law, will explain in detail the current exempt and non-exempt designations for employees, cover the various exemptions that may be available to A/E employers, explore some of the exempt/non-exempt issues prevalent in the A/E industry, discuss ways to lessen your firm's risk in the event of a lawsuit, and address specific questions on wage and hour issues.

Click here to register.

You've heard it many times before—landing a new client costs 10, 25, even 100 times more than keeping an old one. So keeping your clients happy in a long-term relationship is just good business—higher profits, lower overheads, less stress and the peace of mind of a continuing supply of profitable work.

In the idea-packed Keeping Clients for Life webinar, David Stone, Stone and Company, examines why clients leave and provides tried-and-true techniques for strengthening your client service practices and keeping your client relationships strong.

For details and to register, click here.

ACEC presents U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 2012 Programmatic Outlook, a timely webinar on the latest status of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) marketplace.

Bruce Ware of the USACE Engineering and Construction Division will provide an update on changes in how A/E services are procured and the impact of fluctuating appropriations, new legislation, and changing regulations.

Click here for details and to register.

Acting as a trial expert witness in hazardous waste lawsuits presents unique challenges in addition to the normal expertise and courtroom skills required.

In this webinar, What You Need to Know as a Successful Hazardous Materials and Forensics Expert Witness, Richard Hughto, a consultant and a highly experienced expert witness on the fate and transport of contaminants, remediation, and professional liability in the hazardous materials industry, will identify the necessary credentials, experience, and personal characteristics for an expert witness. Hughto will also explore the unique role of forensic analysis.

Click here to register.

Whether to serve as an expert for your own firm's benefit or to add another service in your firm's business portfolio, ACEC's Applying Expertise as an Engineering Expert Witness course is the one-of-a-kind learning experience that will prepare you for courtroom challenges. This focused 1½-day course takes you step-by-step through the qualifications, ramifications, and expectations of testifying.

For engineers, architects and surveyors interested in gaining credentials and confidence for legal service engagements, this is a don't-miss opportunity. Co-sponsored by ACEC/Georgia.

Click here for details and to register.