Michigan Engineering Newsletter

October 2019

ACEC/Michigan Takes Home National Awards

Individuals Honored at ACEC National Conference in Chicago

ACEC/Michigan members dominated the awards program this year at the ACEC National Fall Conference on October 15 in Chicago. Various Michigan recipients were honored for their achievements during the Conference which had a record attendance at nearly 1,000 participants.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

This award recognizes the accomplishments of our young professionals who have contributed to the engineering profession and impacted society.

ACEC National presented this award to Lindsey Kerkez, P.E., Project Manager, Water Resources Modeling and Analysis Group Manager with OHM Advisors in Lansing, Michigan.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

This ACEC National award recognizes a principal or manager of an ACEC Member Firm who has made outstanding contributions to the quality of life in his or her community.

ACEC National presented this award to Tricia S. Ruby, President & CEO of R uby+Associates. Tricia served on the ACEC/Michigan Board of Directors from 2015-2018.

ACEC SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR

J arrett Nuyen, who is working toward a bachelor's degree in civil engineering at Western Michigan University, received the $10,000 ACEC Scholar of the Year award in Chicago at the ACEC National Fall Conference.

Jarrett works for Wightman in Kalamazoo.

ASCE Central Region MRLC 2020

January 9 - 11, 2020 in Detroit

The ASCE Southeastern Michigan (SEMI) Branch is excited to host Regions 3, 6, and 7 for the 2020 Central Region Multi-Region Leadership Conference (MRLC), to be held January 9-11, 2020 at the Marriott Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

While the conference sessions are focused on leadership development (by invitation only), all ASCE members are encouraged to participate in networking and social events before, during, and after the conference. At the following events, you will meet civil engineering colleagues and students from across the country:

Pre-College Outreach Workshop
Civil Engineering Career Fair
Welcome Social at Garden Bowl
Awards Banquet at The Henry Ford Museum
Construction Tours

Visit the ASCE Southeastern Michigan branch website to learn more and to register.

Your support is needed to make this event a success! Visit the SEMI branch website to learn about the available SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES for this event.

PSMJ Principals Bootcamp Offered

Huge Discounts on Registration Fees

On January 23-24, 2020, ACEC/Michigan will offer the popular PSMJ Principals Bootcamp in Lansing. This course is designed for anyone who wants to stay on top of their game as an A/E/C Principal. Changing market conditions in a fast moving world mean you need the latest proven insight for success. Whether you are just starting out as a Principal or have spent decades as a firm leader, this Bootcamp has something for you.

Detailed information and registration is available on the ACEC/M website.

ACEC/MI 2020 Firm of the Year Award

Submissions due November 27

ACEC/Michigan's "Member Firm of the Year" award program is now open for entry! This prestigious and coveted award recognizes ACEC/Michigan member firms for their demonstrated leadership in promoting engineering through their activities with ACEC and in their communities. Winning this competition will greatly enhance your firm's image and your marketing efforts to both current and potential clients.

Firms are judged on three important factors:

Contributions to the Success of ACEC/Michigan
Advancement of the Consulting Design Profession
Community Involvement

A small firm (1-30 employees) and a large firm (>30 employees) are eligible to receive this award. The winning firm(s) will be announced at the ACEC/Michigan Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards Gala on March 7, 2020 at 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids.

Applications are due by November 27, 2019. Visit the ACEC/M website for more information and the application form.

Legislative Update

Representative Shane Hernandez has introduced Certificate of Merit legislation (HB 5169) to help reduce frivolous lawsuits against design professionals. ACEC is very supportive of the bill and will be working to see its passage.

The House and Senate Transportation Committees began taking testimony on a package of bills aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of MDOT, local road agencies and their processes. Several transportation-related bills have been introduced in the House (HB's 4963-4973) and Senate (SB's 515-524).

Transportation Funding discussions have stalled between the Governor and the legislative leaders in light of the actions that have occurred on the state budget.

MDOT-ACEC Partnering Workshop

February 6, 2020 at the Lansing Center

Each year representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and 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 the 2019 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 valuable networking. Mark your calendar now for this event, scheduled for February 6, 2020, at the Lansing Center.

Details and registration information will be available soon on the ACEC/M website.

ACEC/Michigan Launches New Strategic Plan

As we move into a new decade, ACEC/Michigan has developed a Strategic Plan to position the organization to be the go-to resource for all private engineering companies working in the built environment. The Board of Directors worked over the Summer and into early Fall to create a plan that addresses current issues facing our industry and prepares ACEC/Michigan for what is to come. The plan will focus on 4 Major Goals that include:

Provide a competitive advantage for member firms to drive higher levels of business success.
Grow and diversify membership in the organization and develop strategic partnerships to broaden the platform for resources and engagement.
Support efforts to create a robust pipeline of future engineering talent to ensure long term sustainability and relevance of the engineering industry.
Serve as the primary voice of the engineering industry promoting its achievements, communicating its value, and protecting a positive business environment.

ACEC/Michigan will continue to be your advocate protecting the business of engineering while providing key training and business insights to help your firm thrive.

The ACEC National organization also approved an updated strategic plan at the October 2019 Board meeting in Chicago. The plan is "bold and audacious" and will strongly complement our efforts at the state level.

ACEC/Michigan Scholarships Available

Application Deadline is January 3, 2020

ACEC/Michigan is planning to award over $12,000 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 by January 3, 2020.

Applicants will be judged on a written essay, their work experience, employer/faculty recommendations, community involvement and their GPA.

Watch for scholarship raffle information in the near future.

2020 Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards

Competition Update

On November 6, a panel of judges will select award winners from this year's engineering and surveying project entries. Projects are evaluated based on innovation, complexity, client satisfaction and future value to the profession.

Award recipients will be recognized on March 7, 2020 during the awards gala, which will be held at the 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids. The awards gala provides a great opportunity to share your firm's expertise and success with clients and friends.

Visit the ACEC/M website for more information.