Michigan Engineering Newsletter

Mi Engineering Newsletter logo

Issue: 6

November 2015

ACEC Scores Transportation Funding Victory

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (sitting) celebrates the signing of legislation to invest in Michigan's transportation infrastructure with state officials and ACEC/Michigan leaders. Pictured (left to right) ACEC/M Past-President Amy Trahey (GLEG); Executive Director Ron Brenke; Director Steve Gravlin (Wade Trim); Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter; Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekof; ACEC/M President Mark Kramer (SME); Lobbyist Melissa Yutzey; Director Steve Pangori (AEW) and Lt. Governor Brian Calley.

On November 10, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed into law a major road funding package that will generate up to an additional $1.2 billion per year through a gas & diesel tax increase, an increase in registration fees, and the reprioritizing of $600 million from the state's General Fund for transportation.

Key pieces of the legislation included:

* 7.3 cent per gallon tax increase on gasoline

* 11.3 cent per gallon tax increase on diesel fuel

* 20% increase in vehicle registration fees

* $600 million in revenue from the General Fund

The new law represents a great victory for the advocacy efforts of ACEC/Michigan, which worked within a broad-based business coalition to build support for the legislation.

ACEC to Host PSMJ Principals Bootcamp

January 21-22, 2016

ACEC will host the popular PSMJ Principals Bootcamp at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West on January 21 and 22, 2016. Attendees will spend two intense days learning from PSMJ's seminar leader and networking with other senior executives.

This A/E/C Principals Bootcamp demonstrates how the most successful firm leaders are adapting to today's fast-paced economic changes. The instructor will directly address your needs and questions and offer advice from years of practical design firm experience. You'll walk away with innovative ideas and dynamic new approaches to these challenging times that your entire firm can put into action right away.

Only a few spots are left! Discounted registration fees are offered for ACEC members (and for multiple attendees). Register today!

ACEC Emerging Leaders Program

Congratulations to the 2015 Gr aduates!

2015 Emerging Leaders Program Participants

ACEC/Michigan is proud to recognize the graduates of our inaugural Emerging Leaders Program. Three sessions were held in the fall of 2015. This program imparts specific skills and competencies identified by top ACEC/Michigan principals as critical for leadership success. The 2015 class of emerging leaders e njoyed a dynamic schedule of topics including: Strategic Planning, Governmental Affairs, Risk Management, HR - Recruiting, Retaining and Owning, Leadership, Business Development, Economics of Private Practice, and a Senior Leaders Roundtable.

Congratulations to the graduates of the 2015 Emerging Leaders Program:

Roland Alix Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc.	Ryan Musch Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc.
Myndi Bacon SME	Kirk Pietila Tetra Tech
Josh Dudicz Williams & Works	Kristen Podnar Wade Trim
James Ensign Spicer Group, Inc.	Andrew Rossell AR Engineering
Timothy Juidici OHM Advisors	Allison Shenberger Ruby+Associates, Inc.
Mark Koskinen AECOM Corporation	Kyle Seidel Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc.
Jason Marquardt Abonmarche Consultants, Inc.	Alan Smaka Wightman & Associates, Inc.
Matt McGaughey MAYOTTEgroup Architects	Karianne Steffen HNTB Michigan
Brian Morley Great Lakes Engineering Group, LLC	Elaine Venema Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering, Inc.

If you're interested in having an emerging leader from your firm participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, please visit our website to claim a spot on the waiting list for the 2016 class!

MDOT/ACEC Partnering Workshop Scheduled

Coming soon - February 4, 2016

Each year representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and from ACEC/Michigan come together in Lansing to host a partnering workshop. The purpose of the event is to reinforce the principles contained in the MDOT-ACEC Partnership Charter through information sharing, problem solving and teamwork.

A multitude of educational breakout sessions are offered that are specific to current issues affecting the DOT and consulting engineers. In addition, the winner of 2015 MDOT/ACEC Partnership Charter Award will be announced!

The conference is the largest gathering of state transportation and consultant engineering professionals, creating a perfect opportunity for endless networking.

Mark your calendar now for this event, scheduled for February 4, 2016 at the Lansing Center. Details and registration information will be available in December.

ASCE Michigan Section Centennial Celebration

Save The Date!

The ASCE Michigan Section invites you to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its inception. This milestone will be marked by a gala reception and dinner on May 12, 2016 at COBO Center in Detroit. The event precedes the annual Michigan Infrastructure Conference on May 13 at COBO.

Plan to join us! More detailed information will be provided as it becomes available.

ACEC Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Competition Update

On November 4, a panel of judges reviewed and discussed 27 engineering and 2 surveying project entries for the 2016 Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Competition. Projects were evaluated based on innovation, complexity, client satisfaction and future value to the profession.

Award recipients will be recognized on February 27, 2016 during the awards gala, which will be held a t Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek.

Visit the ACEC website for more details!

ACEC Re ceives Recognition

Membership goals met

On October 14, 2015, ACEC/Michigan was recognized and awarded a certificate by ACEC National for achieving its membership goals for the 2014-2015 year. Congratulations!

Michigan Infrastructure Conference

Coming to Detroit in May 2016

This popular conference, jointly hosted by the American Co uncil of E ngineering Compani es (ACEC) of Michigan, the Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI), will be held at the newly renovated COBO Center in Detroit.

Further details to come, but mark your calendars now!

ACEC Scholarships Available

ACEC/Michigan is planning to award $10,000+ to engineering and surveying students enrolled in an ABET accredited College or University. Applications are now available on the ACEC/M website, and are due to ACEC by December 18, 2015. Applicants will be judged on a written essay, their work experience, employer/faculty recommendations, community involvement and their GPA.

ACEC Social Media

Follow Us!

Did you know that ACEC is active on social media sites? Please like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on LinkedIn to stay informed!