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2022 PLATINUM ANNUAL SPONSORS! |
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The ACECL Board of Governors met on May 6, 2022 |
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Thank you David Dupre for 10 years of serving on ACECL Board of Governors |
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The ACECL family would like to extend a note of appreciation to David Dupre of Meyer Engineers for a decade of service to the ACECL Board of Governors. Just last week, David officially represented ACECL one last time at the 2022 ACEC Annual Convention as the National Director for Louisiana.
As the 2020-2021 Chairman of the Board, David lead the organization through one of the toughest years it has ever experienced. In spite of all the challenges presented by the pandemic, ACECL continued to grow and become a more innovative organization. This was only possible because of David's leadership and commitment to finding innovative ways to bring value to ACECL members in such a disrupted economic environment.
I would like to personally thank David for the guidance, wisdom and humor he has provided me since I took on this new role. Admittedly, becoming the leader of an organization where every member you represent and interact with is an expert in their field can be intimidating, and at times, overwhelming. A good laugh in between the firehoses of information were most welcome! Though he may not even remember, I will never forget a call I received from David my first week on the job where he shared his belief and confidence in me to lead this organization he is so passionate about into the future. This five-minute conversation injected a sense of self-confidence much needed at the time and will be forever grateful for.
We salute you David and thank you for all that you have done for ACECL over the last ten years and what I know will be many more to come!
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Michael J. Thomassie, P.E., with Duplantis Design Group, PC of Baton Rouge, has been elected as chairman of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Louisiana for 2022-2023.
Other officers elected include:
Chairman-elect: Nathan J. Junius, P.E., P.L.S., Linfield, Hunter & Junius, Inc., Metairie
Vice-Chairman: Chad M. Poche, P.E., Gulf South Engineering & Testing
Secretary-Treasurer: Sherri LeBas, P.E., GEC, Inc.
National Director: Andrée F. Cortez, P.E., PMP, T. Baker Smith, LLC
Members at Large for 2022-2023 include:
Brin Ferlito, P.E., PTOE, Vectura Consulting Services, LLC
Brett P. Bayard, P.E., P.L.S., Mader Engineering, Inc.
Lisa F. Cookmeyer, P.E., Trigon Associates
Byron Racca, P.E., Meyer & Associates, Inc.
Don R. Arrington, P.E., S.E. Huey Company
Colby J. Guidry, P.E., Huval & Associates, Inc (Lafayette)
Bob Boagni, P.E., Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.
Chapter Presidents include:
Jordan M. Pearson, P.E., Forte and Tablada (Shreveport)
David B. Stelly, P.E., Associated Design Group (ADG) (Lafayette)
Robert Delaune, Digital Engineering & Imaging, Inc. (New Orleans)
Bryan Jones, HNTB Corporation (Baton Rouge)
Butch Babineaux, P.E., C. H. Fenstermaker (Lake Charles)
The 2022-2023 Board of Governors term will commence on July 1, 2022.
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ACECL’s Capitol Calculus
The last week of the 2022 Legislative Session is finally here. The session will end next Monday, leaving just five days to have bills signed by both the Speaker of the House and Senate President.
While most of the legislation ACECL is tracking has either made it completely through the legislative process or stalled with no time to make it through the process, there are two infrastructure funding bills ACECL supports that are still pending House final passage. Since SB 266 and SB 277 were both amended in House committee, these amendments will need to receive concurrence by the Senate after House final passage. All that said, there is still plenty of time for these bills.
ACECL has also reengaged on HB 1062 by Rep. Freeman – an occupational licensing bill that would change how judicial review applies to challenged occupational licensing regulations and force courts to apply a standard of review that would supersede review practices already established by licensing boards. ACECL is working to have LAPELS exempt from the bill as we were able to do for the reciprocity bill.
At the conclusion of the session, I will send a comprehensive review of the bills ACECL tracked during this session.
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Here are a few notices recently released by the US Department of Transportation.
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)
The U.S. Department of Transportation has published the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the new Safe Streets and Roads for All competitive grant program. Applications are due on September 15.
The webpage for SS4A is here: www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A. There is a series of webinars for prospective applicants upcoming in June that you might be interested in joining or inviting your local clients to join.
As convention attendees heard from Clarence Anthony from the National League of Cities last week, cities and towns are going to need a lot of assistance from the private sector to successfully compete for and manage the federal funds that are available under the IIJA. We're going to continue to partner with NLC, FHWA, and other organizations on outreach, education, and coordination activities.
Buy America
Two, as discussed at the committee meeting, the U.S. Department of Transportation has provided a 180-day temporary waiver of new Buy America requirements for construction materials under the IIJA.
U.S. DOT will be collecting information from stakeholders on the availability of domestic sourcing of construction materials, as well as compliance and enforcement procedures for funding recipients and project sponsors. ACEC will be collaborating with AASHTO and our construction industry allies to help inform a reasonable implementation of the new Buy America requirements. We are encouraged by assurances from senior DOT officials in recent meetings that they recognize the need for commonsense to prevail.
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Lafayette Chapter Luncheon
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
Abacus Restaurant
Speakers:
Eric Dauphine, P.E., M.S.C.M., District Engineer Administrator
Louisiana Department of Transportation
& Development District 03
Topic:
"District 03 DOTD Update"
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Baton Rouge Chapter Luncheon
Monday, June 13, 2022
Sullivan's Steakhouse
Speakers:
Adam Knapp, President & CEO
Baton Rouge Area Chamber
Topic:
"It's Time to BRING IT, Baton Rouge" Presentation
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2022 DEEP SOUTH CONVENTION |
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Join owners and key principals from premier engineering and service provider firms throughout the Deep Southern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, located in Miramar Beach, Florida. This year's convention and exhibitor trade show will be held on July 21-23, 2022.
Annually, this convention proves to be one of the best events of the year. We have planned insightful programs and seminars (final agenda to be posted soon!) and important networking opportunities, at a fantastic family-friendly venue . Feel a little competitive? Why not join your ACEC and industry colleagues for our annual Deep South Golf Tournament or Deep South Fishing Tournament? Which state MO will bring home the traveling trophy this year? Gather with new friends and old ones for this year’s social activities planned for everyone to enjoy. This year's convention is shaping up to be one of the best yet!
To reserve your accommodations at Sandestin – click HERE to access the ACEC Deep South Convention Group Block. We look forward to seeing you at Sandestin!
To view the 2022 Deep South Convention Registration Portal, click HERE
To explore our great Sponsorship Opportunities, head to the green Tickets button and you will find all of our sponsorship levels, benefits, and pricing included in the "Sponsorships & Add-Ons" section.
To view full Agenda click HERE
Deep South Convention Hosting States & Contacts:
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ACEC (NATIONAL) ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS |
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Congratulations to HDR’s Rockefeller Refuge Gulf Shoreline Stablization (ME-0018) project for being selected as one of the top 36 ACEC (National) Engineering Excellence Award (EEA) winners for 2022. ACEC received 195 entries this year – representing 37 Member Organizations.
HDR (Lafayette) was honored at the black tie ACEC Awards Gala held in Washington, D.C. on May 24, 2022 for their Water Resources category project located in Grand Chenier, Louisiana. HDR also received an Honor Award at the ACEC of Louisiana’s Gala in March, along with their client, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.
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- June 2-3 - ACEC Leadership – Washington, D.C.
- June 6 - 2022 Legislative Session Adjourns
- June 10 - HR Forum
- June 13 - Baton Rouge Chapter Luncheon
- June 16 - Water Resources Committee Meeting
- June 16 - Emerging Leaders: Session II
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June 21 - ACEC Water Resources Committee Meeting
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The tax code can be complicated and minimizing your tax payments is a need for every business, especially in times like these. As an affiliated partner with ACEC Louisiana chapter, BRAYN Consulting works directly with your CPA to assist in claiming tax incentives specifically geared towards engineering companies.
BRAYN service offering for engineering companies includes the R&D tax credit, the 179D energy efficiency deduction and cost segregation studies.
BRAYN offers a FREE Phase 1 to assess and estimate the potential of these specific tax programs. If you want to maximize your firm value by creating significant cash flow through claiming tax incentives for engineers, reach out to Jason Villere , jason@brayn.com (225) 337-0053, at BRAYN Consulting (www.brayn.com) for a FREE Phase 1 Consultation.
Jason Villere
Director, BRAYN Consulting LLC
Mobile: 225.337.0053
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Benefits. It’s our sole focus. The company benefits you offer to employees and the benefits of working with benefitsone.
Our expertise is grounded in traditional benefits — medical, dental, pharmacy, life, disability, vision and retirement plans. We’re also well-versed in specialty offerings that enhance a company’s benefits line-up, including concierge services, telemedicine and tele-behavior health.
We’re a small, yet vibrant and growing employee benefits consulting firm. But our focus is big and bold: We deliver best-in-class products, customized for our clients’ unique needs and industries and delivered with exceptional service and personal attention.
Our knowledge of employee benefits runs deep, with nearly 100 years of industry experience collectively across our benefitsone team. We’re committed to the industry and are certified by respected organizations. This credentialing keeps us sharp and current on the benefits industry’s demands and ensures our ability to meet your business’ needs.
When we’re not helping our valued clients, we actively advocate for the benefits industry. We do this in the work we do in our community and by our involvement in leading associations. As a locally focused firm that works in our community and throughout Louisiana, we have a vested interest in meeting your needs because our reputation is at stake.
Jack Duvernay, RHU
President
985.800.2800 main
504.512.5252 cell
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ACEC Affiliate Members
ACEC Business Insurance Trust
ACEC Life/Health Insurance Trust
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
Alexander & Sanders, a division of BXS Insurance
Barriere Construction Group, LLC
Benefits One, LLC
BFM Corporation, LLC
BRAYN Consulting, LLC
Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP
Brown & Brown of Louisiana
CxA Services, LLC
Cycle Construction, LLC
Durable Piling Restoration, LLC
ecko360
ELOS Environmental, LLC
Environmental Technical Sales, Inc.
Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Inc.
Foley & Judell, LLP
Foley Products
Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith, LLP
Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP
Headlight
HUB International
Industrial Fabrics
Keogh, Cox & Wilson
Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn
Quality Sitework Materials, Inc.
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Barker Dirmann
President & CEO
ACEC of Louisiana
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