President Signs the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act
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Finally. After half a decade of talk about infrastructure funding, Congress has finally passed and the President has signed into law a bill to provide America with badly needed funding for infrastructure. Now engineers across the country will use these dollars to transform roads, bridges, waters systems, airports, rail, transit, energy grids and broadband infrastructure into safe, resilient systems after years of neglect. Will it be enough? Absolutely not - but it is progress.
So what does this mean for Michigan? Here are some highlights of funding for Michigan over the next 5 years:
- $7.8 billion for for highways and bridges
- Michigan can compete for $12.5 billion for economically significant bridges & $15 billion for major projects that deliver substantial economic benefits to communities
- $1 billion for public transit
- $363 billion for airport infrastructure
- Michigan can compete for $5 billion for rail improvement and safety grants; $3 billion for grade crossings
- $110 million for the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network in Michigan
- $100 million for broadband coverage
- $1.3 billion to improve water infrastructure
ACEC has created a IIJA resource page that provides information related to the legislation. |
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QBS Bill to Receive Hearing on December 2
Senate Bill 642 will require state agencies in Michigan (not local agencies) to use a Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process for procuring design professional services (engineering, architecture & surveying) for projects that have design fees exceeding $250,000.
SB 642 has been placed on the agenda for the December 2 meeting of the Senate Economic and Small Business Development Committee chaired by Senator Ken Horn (R-32 District). The Federal Government and most states have already passed laws that require a QBS process for the procurement of professional engineering, architectural and surveying services.
ACEC and legislative partners AIA, MSPE and MSPS strongly support the bill. Senator Jim Ananich is the bill sponsor (D-27th District).
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ACEC/M Emerging Leaders Program
2021 Graduating Class
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ACEC/Michigan is proud to recognize the graduates of our 2021 Emerging Leaders Program. This program imparts specific skills and competencies identified by top ACEC/Michigan principals as critical for leadership success. The class enjoyed a dynamic schedule of topics including: Strategic Planning, Governmental Affairs, Risk Management, Human Resources, Leadership, Business Development, Economics of Private Practice, and the Senior Leaders Roundtable: From Management to Leadership - Secrets of Success.
Congratulations to the following members of the 2021 Emerging Leaders Program:
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Fatemeh Alighalehbabakhani (Hubbell, Roth & Clark)
Troy Andrews (Wade Trim)
Paul Arends (AECOM)
Tim Bradshaw (Progressive AE)
Matt Chumbley (WSP)
Bryan Daavettila (Great Lakes Engineering)
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Trent Daavettila (RS&H)
Tina Dao-Nguyen (Michael Baker)
Cal Dunham (Byce)
Brittany Fiema (SmithGroup)
Joshua Glowski (Somat)
Kevin Glupker (SME)
David Hoeh (DLZ)
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Jesse Lewter (Wolverine)
Jordan Phillips (RS)
Stan Richard (Integral Blue)
Michael Stanbrough (Cincar)
Nathan Ver Heul (Prein&Newhof)
Michael Vigneron (AEW)
Matthew Wagner (Bergmann)
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The 2022 MDOT- ACEC Partnering Workshop will return to an in-person event on February 3, 2022 at the Lansing Center!
This annual event is one of the largest gatherings of transportation professionals from across the state and will include at least 28 unique breakout sessions (CEUs available). The event will be kicked off by MDOT Director Paul Ajegba, PE and will also feature a professional keynote from Steve Thomas who specializes in helping people "navigate the complexities of human weirdness".
A pre-event reception will be held the evening of Wednesday, February 2, with industry/MDOT leaders at the Lansing Center .
Look for registration and sponsorship information coming soon!
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ACEC/Michigan is partnering with PCIA and UTEC for a Cybersecurity Best Practices seminar on Wednesday, December 8 from 8:00 to 10:00 am in Brighton.
Cyberattacks continue to rise. Ransomware affects a business every 11 seconds globally. Is your business safe? Industry experts in cyber risk management and IT solutions will present and answer A/E industry questions and concerns on this pressing issue.
Visit the ACEC/M website for complete details. Registration closes December 1.
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In 2000, the ASCE Michigan Section launched a fundraising campaign to start the Mackinac Scholarship. The endowment has grown over the years thanks to the support of so many individuals and firms across the state.
The program now awards a $10,000 scholarship to each Mackinac Scholar, who must reside in Michigan and attend an accredited Michigan College or University Civil Engineering Program.
To continue the growth of this important scholarship, the Michigan Section Scholarship Committee is asking for donations to the endowment fund. For a $50 donation, we have unframed prints of the Mackinac Bridge. Several individuals and firms have decided to contribute at the $1000 level to become a Mackinac Scholarship Champion. For this level, we have framed, signed and numbered editions of the Mackinac Bridge rendering.
Contact Cindy Schmitz for ordering information at cschmitz@acecmi.org.
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ACEC will host a 5 day Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges for Professional Engineers (FHWA-NHI-130056) course on February 7 - 11, 2022 in Lansing.
Course attendees must be registered PEs and have completed the necessary prerequisite to attend this in-person course.
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ACEC/Michigan will host the popular PSMJ Principals Bootcamp on January 20 and 21, 2022. Major discounts are available to ACEC members and the bootcamp will be held in Michigan, saving firms travel and lodging costs.
This two-day networking event imparts skills and methods the most successful A/E/C leaders use to excel in every aspect of firm management.
You will learn how to:
- Maintain a strong backlog in any economic environment
- Set staffing levels that perfectly match your project needs
- Recruit and retain top talent and compete for the most lucrative projects
- Initiate proven new business development strategies
- Learn the 6 ways to raise your multiplier to 4.0 or higher
- Prepare your next generation of firm leaders to take the reins
- And so much more!
Visit the ACEC/M website for complete details and registration information.
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Applicants will be judged on a written essay, work experience, employer/faculty letter of recommendation, community involvement and GPA.
SCHOLARSHIP RAFFLE
RAFFLE TICKETS are now available! Prizes include a Florida vacation stay and gift cards to Amazon, AirBNB and Best Buy. The order form is available on the ACEC/M website.
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MDOT/ACEC Partnership Charter Award |
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The MDOT-ACEC Partnership Charter Award recognizes project managers and consultants for their commitment to excellence and promoting an enhanced business partnership based on the ideals set forth in the MDOT/ACEC Partnership Charter Agreement. These ideals include mutual trust, effective communication, continuous improvement, embracing innovation, and timely issues resolution.
Projects accomplished by team effort between MDOT project managers and ACEC consultants are eligible to receive this award.
Visit the ACEC/M website for entry information. Submittals are due by December 3, 2021.
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2022 Engineering & Surveying
Excellence Awards Gala
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An ACEC/Michigan hallmark for more than 50 years, the Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Gala is the "Academy Awards" of the consulting engineering industry. The event is designed to honor engineering firms for design achievements of superior skill and ingenuity.
The 2022 Awards Gala will be held on Saturday, March 19 at The Inn at St. John's. Sponsorship of this event is an excellent way of demonstrating your support of our industry and gives your organization great exposure to owners, contractors, legislators and others.
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The ACEC Business Insurance Trust oversees a program that provides business and professional liability insurance coverage for participating ACEC member firms. The program offers policyholders tailored coverage along broad policy terms and conditions. Program coverage includes automobile liability and physical damage; workers' compensation; and the "Spectrum" package policy affording protection for buildings, business personal property, money and securities, business liability, equipment breakdown, computers and media. Catastrophe liability protection is available through umbrella coverage.
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Code of Ethics Released
MSPE drafted a Code of Ethics which has been submitted to the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs PE Board for review. The Code of Ethics was created to assist Michigan Licensed PEs when facing an ethical dilemma.
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Take the Next Step with the MSPE
Career Center
Whether you're a recent graduate looking to break into the industry or a seasoned professional interested in taking that next step, the MSPE Career Center is the place that will help you further your career or get things started.
As a job seeker, you will not only have access to posted jobs, but you will also have top jobs delivered directly to your inbox!
Recruiters: Open your door to more opportunity with access to our nationwide employment network. Also, It's FREE to post internship positions.
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Be in the know on what is happening at ACEC/Michigan (and there is a lot!)
by following us on social media.
Did you know before reading this newsletter that we offer scholarships to interns, are hosting an NHI Bridge Safety Course and have a new job board free to members? You would have if you were following us on social media!
Don't miss out - click the icons below to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn today!
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2021 - 2022 Events Calendar |
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May 5-6: MSPE Annual Conference
May 12: Michigan Infrastructure Conference
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Michigan Engineering News
SPONSORS
Thank you!
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