ACEC/MW Newsletter-May 2007

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Spring is in full bloom and that means our membership has been gearing into action at the national level, in support of the recent ACEC Annual Convention and Legislative Conference; and at the local level preparing for the ACEC/MW Annual Conference in June.

Hot national and regional topics include transportation and water infrastructure funding, promoting QBS procurement and private sector involvement in government contracting, and dealing with the challenges of labor shortages in the engineering community. ACEC/MW is a key steward for addressing these issues during the conference and beyond. Our continued persistence through our legislative and other technical committees is vital to keeping the message alive and representing the interests of the engineering community.

Our March/April educational and business opportunities programs were well attended and well received by all participants. Kudos to the Facilities Committee for leading the effort in organizing our LEED and Design-Build seminars. Based on the comments received we look forward to repeating and expanding these seminars during the next fiscal year as well as adding new seminars sponsored by our other committees.

As we approach the end of the 2006-07 fiscal year and our Annual Conference on June 21, we would like to extend an invitation to current members with interest to serve in a leadership role at the Board, Committee or Subcommittee levels. This is an excellent opportunity for member firms to share their ideas and contribute through their expertise, experience and leadership in shaping business trends that affect our industry.

Enjoy the spring weather and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

ACEC/MW EARNS NATIONAL AWARDS

At the ACEC Annual Meeting held May 6-9 in Washington DC, ACEC/MW received two awards for our growth and accomplishment. For the second year in a row, ACEC/MW surpassed its goal for contributions to the ACEC PAC and its membership growth. Thanks and congratulations to our members for another great year. We look forward to continuing our momentum in order to make it three consecutive years next year!

We have already begun to work on our ACEC/PAC goal for 2007-2008 and we are seeing some great participation. The ACEC/PAC is funded by direct contributions from individuals in the engineering community, and through a variety of activities and events. The primary purpose of ACEC/PAC is to elect candidates to the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate who support policies and legislation favorable to the engineering industry. For information on how to contribute go to the ACEC/PAC.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

We would like to welcome our newest members which have joined us in the past months.

Bowman Consulting
Rhino Fire Protection Engineering
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin
Wendel Duchscherer Architects & Engineers

SEMINAR UPDATES

LEED Seminar

On March 9, ACEC/MW held a LEED Overview & Exam Preparation Seminar. Our speaker/instructor for this event was Iris Amdur, GreenShape, LLC. The seminar was well attended and received very positive reviews as a tool in preparing for the LEED certification. Since many in the engineering community are interested in pursuing LEED certification, ACEC/MW is looking into offering a more in depth and technical exam preparation course.

Design Build Seminar

On April 26, we heard from Michael Loulakis, Esq. about risks in regards to Design Build. His presentation was informative and insightful and gave the attendees the opportunity to wrestle with some issues using real life examples and case law. We look forward to the possibility of expanding this seminar next year based on feedback from participants.

April 19 - DC Government & DC Agencies
This luncheon was held in Washington DC and drew a crowd of over 60 attendees. The District was well represented with speakers from DDOT, DC Public Schools and The Anacostia Waterfront Corporation.

May Luncheon - Local Governments
Our most recent luncheon held at Maggiano's Little Italy in Tysons Corner had over 60 attendees. Participants were not only treated to another fine meal, but were able to hear about some very pertinent projects in the counties of Montgomery, Loudoun and Prince William. Our speakers presented what their county has in the works over the next 12-18 months and answered questions from the audience.

Each of these luncheons was well attended with more attendees than we had the previous year. Thank you for your interest and support - look for our next regularly scheduled luncheons beginning again in August 2007. We look forward to seeing you there!

ACEC/MW has 6 committees which are the heart and soul of what ACEC/MW represents. If you are not currently involved in a committee, please consider attending a meeting and joining a committee. See below for a list of the committees along with their mission statements.

Environmental Committee
- To develop relationships, make contacts, educate members, and influence the business environment for water/wastewater, site remediation and water resources in Metropolitan Washington.

Facilities Committee
- To identify key decision makers in the public and private facilities markets and establish a conduit with key decision makers for engineering companies to exchange information in order to improve the business environment in Metropolitan Washington. We will achieve this through educational programs and the activities of subcommittees focusing on the business sectors that we serve.

Legislative Committee
- Advise and educate local, state and national legislators in our jurisdiction regarding issues of importance in the engineering and surveying community.

Membership Committee
- Foster the growth of the ACEC/MW through stewardship of the membership recruitment and retention program.

Program Committee
- To conceptualize and plan monthly Business Opportunities Luncheons, seminars, annual meeting, breakfast roundtables and special events.

Transportation Committee
- To develop relationships, make contacts, educate members, and influence the business environment for the highway, aviation, and transit market within the ACEC/MW jurisdiction.

GET YOUR NAME OUT IN FRONT

ACEC/MW sponsorships have been very popular this year as a great marketing outlet for our firms.

With a number of events to choose from like our:
- Business Opportunities Networking Luncheons
- Annual Golf Outing
- Annual Conference
- Educational Seminars

Get your firm noticed by targeting the engineering community at some of our events. If you are interested in being a sponsor and learning about the rates at these or any of our events, please contact ACEC/MW Executive Director Mac Cannon.

Please note that our next event is the highlight of the year - consider being a sponsor at our Annual Conference June 21st, 2007!

Mark your calendars for the ACEC/MW Annual Conference
June 21, 2007
Washington Plaza Hotel, Washington , DC
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Registration is now Open!!!
Consider attending, exhibiting and sponsoring at this one day event!

For more information on registration, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, please use the follow link: