December 1, 2023

President's Message

Ronald M. Colas,

PE, SI, FES Fellow

During this season of gratitude, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to each and every member of the Florida Engineering Society.

As I reflect on the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the incredible staff and members of the Florida Engineering Society. Your dedication, expertise, and passion for our profession continue to make significant contributions towards engaging younger engineers to join our membership, educating our elected officials on the risks and challenges facing our profession, and maturing our relationships with other professional societies of our industry.

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Engineering News

The FES Interest Committee is Seeking a Few Good Engineers

Do you encounter challenges that affect your effectiveness as a professional engineer that should be addressed?


If so, we invite you to join one of FES' Interest Groups Subcommittees. These specialized subcommittees provide FES members with dedicated forums to discuss matters that may warrant legislative consideration. Your participation can contribute to shaping positive changes in our profession and industry.


The Stormwater Subcommittee's first meeting is on December 5, 2023. Email Laura Heiselman if you are interested in participating in this meeting.

Learn More

Call for Presentations: 2024 Annual Conference

FES & ACEC Florida are soliciting presentation proposals for our 2024 Annual Conference, which will be held at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry, July 24-27, 2024. 


Presenting at conferences is advantageous for engineering professionals as it facilitates knowledge sharing, expands networking opportunities, and enhances public speaking skills. 


The theme of this year's conference is Meeting Florida's Growth Challenges.


Deadline for submissions: December 8, 2023

Apply Here

Participate in the 2024 Legislative Process

One way you can participate in the legislative process is to join our weekly Legislative Update Calls starting December 15, 2023. These calls will be focused on the important developments that impact the engineering industry.


Professional Engineers Days, January 9-10, 2024 in Tallahassee, provides you with a platform to advocate for the engineering profession, engage with policymakers, network with your peers, and contribute to the development of policies and regulations that impact the engineering industry. Online registration is available until December 20.

Register

Scholarships Available from FES Practice Sections

We are pleased to announce the availability of various scholarships from the Florida Engineers in Education (FEE), the Florida Professional Engineers in Construction (FECON), the Florida Professional Engineers in Industry (FPEI), and the Florida Professional Engineers in Government (FPEG) Practice Sections.

 

FEE Scholarship - $500

Due January 1, 2024 (for the spring semester)

 

FECON Scholarship - $1,000

Due April 19, 2024 (for the fall semester)

 

FPEI Scholarship - $500

Due April 19, 2024 (for the fall semester)

 

FPEG Fellowship - $1,000

Due April 19, 2024 (for the fall semester)

More Details

Save the Date for a Tour of Haskell Steel LLC

Save the date for a tour of Haskell Steel LLC on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, brought to you by the Florida Engineers in Construction (FECON) Practice Section and El Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico (CIAPR).


Located in Jacksonville, Haskell Steel is an AISC-certified steel fabrication company utilizing automated fabrication and associated services for a wide range of project types and sizes. There will be a technical presentation followed by lunch and a shop tour.


More details to come.

2024 Practice Section Awards Applications Now Available

FES offers the opportunity for professional recognition through its various awards programs. Each year, nominations are solicited from the Society's 19 chapters for the following: 


FPEG Professional Development 

FPEG Engineer of the Year 

FECON Individual Excellence Award

FPEI Engineer of the Year 

FPEI New Product Award


The application deadline is Friday, April 19, 2024.


Learn More

Support State or Local MATHCOUNTS® Programs

FES is proud to sponsor Florida MATHCOUNTS®, a national enrichment, club, and competition program that promotes mathematic achievement. MATHCOUNTS introduces students to STEM careers through contacts with engineers and other professionals who serve as volunteers at State or Chapter MATHCOUNTS Competitions.

 

But it is only possible with the support of our members.

 

Help make a difference and donate, sponsor, or volunteer at either your Chapter or State competition.

Donate or Sponsor

2023 MATHCOUNTS

1st-2nd-3rd-4th Place Winners

November 2023 Board of Directors Meeting Highlights

The FES Board of Directors met last month in Tampa preceding Session I of the 2024 FELI Class.


Highlights from this meeting include:


  • Approval of the FES Member Code of Conduct.
  • Approval of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as a student chapter.
  • Approval of Florida Polytechnic University as a student chapter.
  • Approval of The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village for the 2026 FES|ACEC Florida Annual Conference.


The next FES Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2024, in Tallahassee

Invest in the Engineering Profession

Support ACEC/PAC

ACEC/PAC is the engineering industry's primary tool for political engagement at the national level. Supported by engineering professionals from across the country who work for member firms, the sole purpose of ACEC/PAC is to elect candidates to the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate who support policies and legislation favorable to the engineering industry.


The advocacy team in Washington, D.C., was instrumental in assisting engineering/design firms in maintaining a preferred tax status during the last major tax overhauls. ACEC was critical in helping push the National Infrastructure Bill (IIJA) over the top and continues to help ensure that the investments end up funding projects throughout Florida. 


Recently, ACEC has been working with our Legislators to repeal R&D Amortization. As part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Congress changed how taxpayers write off R&D expenses. Starting on January 1, 2022, firms could no longer write off R&D expenses in the year they were incurred and now must amortize those expenses over five years in most cases. Amortization of R&D expenses is causing significant cash flow problems for engineering firms and creating a disincentive for investment in innovation. It will also place the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage compared to other countries that provide greater incentives for R&D.


Please consider making a donation to meet Florida’s ACEC/PAC goal for 2023. You can participate in the upcoming Last Chance Sweepstakes and you will be eligible to win cash prizes!


For more information, please email Laura Heiselman, Director of Government and Political Affairs.

Enter Sweepstakes

Calendar of Events

Events


2024 PE Legislative Days

January 9-10, 2024


2024 ACEC Florida Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet

February 23, 2024


2024 GMEC Conference

April 3-5, 2024

Meetings

 

FES Calusa Chapter | ASCE Southwest FL Annual Holiday Mixer

December 7, 2023


2024 Legislative Session Environmental Bills Update

December 15, 2023 | 9:00 - 9:30 am


2024 Legislative Session General Bills Update

December 15, 2023 | 10:00 - 10:30 am


Webinars


Advanced Florida Building Code, Existing Building 8th Edition (2023) Update

January 16, 2024

FDOTConnect Virtual Training Labs

 

Plan Development Workflows

January 31-February 1, 2024


Drainage & Pond Design

February 28-29, 2024


Traffic Plans

March 20-21, 2024

For Complete Event Details, Visit Our Community Calendar

Welcome New Members


FES is proud to welcome this month's new members to our network of over 3,000 professional engineers to enhance successful career paths and providing opportunities to network with engineers in their local communities.

NEW MEMBERS BY CHAPTER


CENTRAL FLORIDA

Kyle Rosenmeyer

Selby Weeks, PE, LEED AP

Kenneth Zagers


MIAMI

Jennifer Artiles, M.S., ENV SP

Samih Fawzy

Juan Oquendo


NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Oliver Shahbazian, PE

William Puckett


PALM BEACH

Michael Hazlett

Linda Mazziotti, EI


PINELLAS

Rico Ashley, PE

Stephen Hutchinson


TAMPA

Donald Benvie

Ashley Francavilla


NEW STUDENT MEMBERS


Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Leland Cannon

Samuel Chandler

Dominic D'Aquin

Sadie Serio

Florida A&M University/Florida State University

Nicholas Jensen

Tobias Ryckis


Florida International University

Andres Brizuela

Josue Crespo

Adriana Godinez Guzman

Paula Martinez Decola

Kendry Rivero

Marco Rojas

Luke Scott

John Tsai

Yonacary Wingard


Florida Polytechnic University

Mikala Furiato


Miami-Dade College

Dantrail Felton


Palm Beach State College

Viviane Dimanche

Dirceu Espinal

Luana Lima

Dinmukhamed Muratov

Juan Rodas

Reeves Steelman

Max Troisi

Aisha Zaman


Valencia College

Matthew Elvers

Classified Ads

Chief of Vertical Construction

City of Coral Gables invites applications for the position of Chief of Vertical Construction. To apply, click here.


County Engineer, PE

Polk County Board of County Commissioners invites applications for the position of County Engineer, PE. To apply, click here.


Engineer

Taylor County Board of County Commissioners invites applications for the position of Engineer. To apply, click here.

To place a Classified Ad, please email Meghan Shiner, Communications Coordinator.

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