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Committees


Scroll to click on the committee for synopsis of activities. Additional information about the committee can then be viewed by clicking on the committee name and/or annual report. See the latest activities of all the committees here, or click on the committee that interests you.




BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
  • Business Practices
  • Professional Development/Programs
  • AIA/AGC/ACEC Liaison
  • Expert Witness
  • QBS Colorado
  • Vertical Design
  • Website/Technology

    MEMBERSHIP
  • Membership

    PUBLIC RELATIONS
  • Awards
  • Education
  • Public Relations
  • Scholarship
  • Golf
  • Women's Forum
  • GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
  • Legislative
  • Consulting Engineers Political Action Committee (CEPAC)

    EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
  • Audit
  • Budget
  • By-Laws
  • Design and Construction Coalition
  • Professional Conduct
  • Strategic Planning
  • Nominating
  • President's Council
  • Staff
  • Executive Committee


  • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

    Business Practices
    Business Practices Resources and Links.

    Assist member firms in the business matters promoting the success of a firm, including Quality Improvement, Risk Management, and Design/Build. Conduct Salary and Business Practices survey for use by consulting firms.

     

    Current Activities/Achievments as of 06/15/11

     

    • Met with a Small Business group to address CDOT’s ESB program changes; ACEC/CO made comments at CDOT public hearing on May 25th.

    • Attended RTD’s DEB Advisory Council meeting

    • Requesting input for ACEC national from some members on audit guidelines.

    Chair: Les Botham, Leonard Rice Engineers, Inc., 303-455-9589; email: botham@lrcwe.com


    Professional Development and Programs

    Establish a professional development program through which members of ACEC/CO can expand their capabilities in business matters and provide method to record credit for participation. Present interesting, timely programs covering a wide variety of topics.
     

    Current Activities/Achievments as of 06/15/11
     

    • Launched the new 3-part "Rainmaker" Series by Sally Corey on May 19th.

    • Held May’s Wake-up Call on Document Retention by Buck Beltzer with Holland and Hart with 19 attending

    • Held final Wake-up Call of series on June 8th with Larry Friedberg, State Architect on state construction program and his role with state regarding QBS. Will resume Wake-Up Calls in September.

    • Held May General Meeting with Rick Bush, DIA Direct of Planning, present the future expansion planning at DIA

    Chair: Jennifer Ashworth, Leonard Rice Engineers, Inc., 303-455-9589; jennifer.ashworth@lrewater.com


    AIA/AGC/ACEC Liaison 
    Working with Owners Reps
    Represent ACEC/CO with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Associated General Contractors (AGC) to promote issues of mutual interest.

    Current Activities/Achievments as of 06/15/11
     

    • Designer-Constructors Coalition (DCC) – leadership of AIA, AGC and ACEC met to discuss issues of mutual concern.  Discussion included educating membership of the potential of 2012 ballot initiatives that will significantly affect our members’ business, and that they should budget for the potential that fundraising campaigns will be necessary to pass or defeat these initiatives.  Also planning a joint event – “How to be a Congressman” and reception in the fall.

    • Co-sponsored a north area networking meeting with AIA, AGC, SMPS and ACEC on May 5th.

    • Attended AIA/AGC/ACEC roundtable on Integrated Project Delivery contract challenges. (AIA/AGC/ACEC Liaison)


      Representative: Craig Watts, MKK Consulting Engineers, 303-796-6005; cwatts@mkkeng.com

    Expert Witness

    Promote and train consultants to be expert witnesses. Conduct the expert witness course, certify expert witnesses and encourage use of certified expert witnesses.

    Current Activities/Achievments as of 06/15/11
     

    • Fifty members attended the fall seminar, "Ethics of Employment Practices," on November 17th.

    • Thirty members attended the Expert Witness Practices Annual Seminar: "Who is Responsible for Safety?" on May 4th.

    • Working with ACEC to develop additional national Expert Witness Seminars as part of ACEC's Expert Witness Designation Program.

    • Working to re-develop committee's purpose and objectives for 2011-12

    Chair: Gary Brierley, Brierley Associates, LLC, 303-703-1405; email: Kentlp@KLPEngineers.com


    QBS Colorado

    QBS Website
    A coalition of the American Institute of Architects, National Society of Professional Engineers/PEPP, and American Council of Engineering Companies, headed by a Board consisting of three representatives of each organization and a part-time coordinator. Funded by contributions from each organization. Promote qualifications based selection to public agencies, other organization and members.

    Current Activities as of 06/10/10
     

    • At the request of QBS Colorado, Larry Friedberg, state architect, contacted Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to inform them that they must follow QBS and should encourage municipalities to follow QBS.  He is doing follow-up meetings with DOLA to assist them in changing their procurement procedure to be in compliance with state law.  He reminded reiterated with DOLA that when dealing with municipalities that the source of the funding (from state or federal sources) dictates the procurement method.

     

    ACEC/CO Representatives: Tracy Lyman, Lyman Henn, Inc., 303-534-1100; email: tlyman@lymanhenn.com
    QBS Coordinator: Sue Bertram, 303-722-4664; email: sue@bertramlaw.net


    Website/Technology

    Reviews and recommends improvements to the ACEC/CO website, keeps current on new technological strategies that can be used to improve communication between the Council and its member firms.

    Current Activities as of 06/21/10
     

    • ACEC/CO won the "Colorado Technology Makeover" from CMIT Solutions of Denver. The Council will receive more than $55,000 in custom technology products and services that will cater to its business and therefore will help the Council better assist its members and the community.

    • Planning on updating web site with help from the technology makeover funds.

    Chair: Open



    GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS 

    Legislative - Members Only   
    Legislative Links

     

    Provide direct interaction with the State legislature and pursue actions in support of member firm interests. Promote agency liaisons where appropriate.

     

    Current Activities/Achievments as of 06/15/11
     

    • The committee tracked over 20 bills during the 2011 session including a retainage bill that ACEC/CO has been working on for quite some time.

    • Public bill signing for HB1115 – retainage bill with Gov. Hickenlooper on May 19th.

    • SCR11-001 – Ballot Initiative bill to make it harder to get initiatives on the ballot and into the state constitution failed to pass out of the state house. (Legislative).

    • Held the 2010-2011 Legislative Day at the state Capitol. Twenty-five members attended as well as 28 legislators/legislative staff.

    • Planning late summer and fall breakfasts and lunches throughout the state with legislators

    • ACEC’s Legislative Committee continues to work toward becoming a “resource” for Colorado Legislators at all levels.

    Chair: Mel Dahlberg, Bohannan-Huston, Inc., 303-799-5103; mdahlberg@bhinc.com
    Lobbyist: J. William Artist, Artist & Associates


    Liaisons:

    Transportation:   Members Only

    ACEC National Transportation Resources and Links
    Local Transportation Links
    Maintain liaison with Colorado Department of Transportation and monitor legislation relative to transportation. Establish liaison with other transportation related agencies such as Regional Transportation District, Denver Regional Council of Government, Department of Aviation, and other municipal and county government agencies.
     

    Current Activities/Achievments as of 06/15/11
     

    • Helped defeat the bad ballot initiatives: SB 60, 61 and 101

    • Met with a Small Business group to address CDOT’s ESB program changes; ACEC/CO asked to make comments at public hearing on May 25th. 

    • Attended CDOT/ACEC’s Sub-committee meeting to discuss revisions to the ESB program, Master Pricing Agreement and proposed pilot process for local agency consultant selection using small purchase procedure guidelines.

    • Met with Don Hunt, the new CDOT Executive Director about our partnership with CDOT

    • Established and supporting a newly organized and active Transit subcommittee

    • The Transit Committee has improved relationships with RTD, CDOT and FTA through hosting events that had transit representatives give talks.

    Chair: Scott Sammons, Kleinfelder, 719-632-3593; ssammons@kleinfelder.com


    Environmental: Members Only
    Environmental Resources and Links

    Maintain liaisons with agencies such as the Colorado Department of Health and Environmental Protection Agency as issues require. Monitor and report on activities of the Hazardous Waste Action Coalition and pertinent legislation.
     

    Current Activities/Achievments as of 06/15/11


     

    • New CDOT and Environmental Committee “coffees” are being held monthly to discuss topics such as CDOT’s 4(f) processes and PEL/Tier one projects.

    Chair: Mandy Whorton, CH2M Hill, 303-771-0900; mandy.whorton@ch2m.com


    Water Resources: -  Members Only
    Water Resources Useful Links

    Maintain liaison with State Engineer. Continue liaison with other agencies such as Division of Wildlife, Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA, Colorado River District, and Colorado Water and Power Authority as issues arise.
     

    Current Activities/Achievements as of 06/15/11
     

    • Continue to work with Division of Water Resources (DWR), responsible for river administration, and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), responsible for many funding opportunities and water resources-related engineering work on current and planned legislation

    Chair: Bill Warmack, Applegate Group, Inc., 303-452-6611; billwarmack@applegategroup.com


    Vertical Design Committee

    This committee was recently formed to represent the interests of members who practice in the "vertical design" field.

    • No report.

    Chair: Wendy Amann, Huitt-Zollars, Inc.; 303-740-7325; email: wamann@Huitt-Zollars.com


    Consulting Engineers Political Action Committee (CEPAC):

    Separately organized and incorporated political action committee to raise funds to support political candidates for State office.
     

    Current Activities/Achievements as of 6/15/11
     

    • In 2010, 89 firms contributed $ 6,585. These were combined with the 2009 funds and were used as contributions for the 2010 elections.  CEPAC depends on the two-year cycle of funding to be able to contribute effectively in the following election cycle.

    • Committee developed Colorado’s 2012 plan to increase contributions and participation to the ACEC PAC

    • ACEC PAC committee in cooperation with ACEC national developed a Colorado sweepstakes.  Requests for corporate sponsorships and ticket sales are being encouraged by the committee. 

    Chair: Mark Hamouz, LONCO, Inc., 303-620-0098; email: mhamouz@lonco.com



    MEMBERSHIP

    Membership

    Established to retain members, show them the value of membership and encourage participation. Promote ACEC/CO and membership in the Council. Develop tools and campaigns to aid in recruitment.
     

    Current Activities as of 06/15/11
     

    • Held Board and Committee Orientation with Eric Young on April 27th with 25 people attending.

    • Participated at USGBC Green Build Conference to promote ACEC/CO.

    • Committe has continued to strive for member retention. Biggest initiative included committee members and the ACEC/CO Board calling members for a phone survey and to "thank members for their continued support."

    • Letters were sent out to member firms asking to get their future leaders to get involved in the affiliate program. Fourty-four affiliates signed up in the last 12 months.

    • Continuing the 1/3 progressive dues program for new members.

    Chair: Wendy Amann, Huitt-Zollars, Inc., 303-740-7325; wamann@huitt-zollars.com



    PUBLIC RELATIONS

    Awards:

    Promote and recognize excellence and innovation in the engineering profession, increase annual participation in all award categories, and increase publicity of consulting in the community, financial, government, political, business, and education areas. Select candidates for the George Washington Award and The General Palmer Award.

     

    Current Activities/Achievements as of 06/15/11

    • Awarded Noelle Cochran of URS as the 2011 Outstanding Woman in Engineering

    • Ten young engineers were awarded the 2011 New Faces in Engineering at the February General Meeting

    • At the Annual Meeting on April 27th, the committee awarded the following: The 2011 George Washington Award to Joe Tamburini of Tetra Tech and the Orley O. Phillips Award to Stan Neujahr of Neujahr and Gorman, Inc.

    • Planning the 2011 Awards Workshop on June 17th.

    • Currently updating and developing better marketing materials for 2012 Awards program.

    Chair: Mary Beth Sepper, 303-841-9172; mbsepper@gmail.com



    Education:

    Promote a better understanding and appreciation for engineering among elementary, junior high and high school students. Create an understanding and appreciation for consulting engineering among engineering college students.

    Current Activities/Achievements as of 06/15/11
     

    • In April members gave a presentation to Morey Middle School Students about engineering.

    • Committee members joined a panel of engineers at the Adams County Education Consortium in February to speak on education and careers in engineering.

    • Currently working to develop a "Dean's Rountable Forum" or possible quarterly meeting between Colorado universities and ACEC beginning in the fall.

    • Preparing for Career Days at the universities in the fall and for the Scholarship outreach meetings at the schools.

    Chair: Murray McBride, McBride Engineering, LLC, 303-916-8900; email: murray.mcbride@comcast.net


    Public Relations:

    Develop programs that explain the engineering profession and promote consulting engineering on a frequent basis throughout the entire state. Work with all committees to assist in external promotion of consulting engineering.
     

    Current Activities/Achievements as of 06/15/11
     

    • "Colorado Engineers 2011” TV show in partnership with USGBC aired on Comcast and some local cable stations Feb - March 2011.

    • The committee held a Social Media Strategy meeting with a consultant from Davlin Marketing Group

    • Developing an online quartlery magazine rather than the annual "Engineering Colorado" Magazine. The online quarterly is to debut August.

    • Developing new overall look for publication and promotional materials, such as the Engineering Excellence Awards program and the "Weekly Voice."

    • Adrienne Dallagiacoma will present a Public Relations and Marketing plan to membership at the Awards Workshop on June 17th.

    Chair: Adrienne Dallagiacoma, üli Creative, 303-971-0134; athiele@ulicreative.com
    Public Relations Consultant: Adrienne Dallagiacoma, üli Creative


    Scholarship:

    Promote student interest in and understanding of consulting engineering as a profession by providing scholarships to engineering students.

    Current Activities/Achievements as of 06/15/11
     

    • Awarded $28,500 in scholarship monies to ten Colorado engineering students.

    • Held a Scholarship reception on April 7th at the Lakewood Country Club

    • Gave a scholarship of $1000 to Colorado MESA (Math, Engineering & Science Achievement)

    • Preparting with the Golf Committee for the annual ACEC/CO Scholarship Benefit Golf Tournament to be held at Bear Dance Golf Club on August 8th

    Chair: Matt Schlageter, Martin/Martin, 303-431-6100; mschlageter@martinmartin.com


    Golf
    Plan Annual Member/Guest Golf Tournament

    Current Activities as of 06/15/11
     

    • The committee is requesting sponsorships for their annual golf tournament on August 8th at Bear Dance Golf Course that benefits the ACEC/CO Scholarship Fund.

    • This year the committee is offering an insentive to those who sign up for sponsorships early.

    • Goal is to sell out attendance and to raise at least $10,000 for the ACEC Scholarship Fund

    Chair: Jared Lambrecht, Neujahr and Gorman, 303-377-2732; jaredlambrecht@neujahrgorman.com


    Women's Forum:

    The Women's Forum, in cooperation with the Society of Women Engineers, identifies and addresses the needs and interests of women in the engineering profession.

    Current Activities
     

    • No current report

    Chair: Patricia Flood, Wright Water Engineers, Inc., 303-480-1700 ; email: pflood@wrightwater.com



    EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
    Audit: - Annual Report
    Verify the validity of ACEC/CO books on an annual basis.
     

    Michael V. Schaefer CPA, Professional LLC was retained by the board to do our annual audit review for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.  Their report showed the Council in good financial standing and practicing accounting procedures in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.

     

    Contact: Eric Young, Eaton's EMC Engineers, Inc., 303-974-1200; email: ericyoungpe@comcast.net


    Budget: - Annual Report 

    Maintain solvency of ACEC/CO and prepare a budget which is responsive to the times.

    Submitting final 2010-11 Budget for board approval at their June 28th meeting.  This budget includes a 2% increase in state dues to address increasing costs of providing services to our membership.  Services and programs have increased over the years but staff has not changed since we cut 1 FTE in May 2008.  The state dues has not been raised since the 2008-09 fiscal year.

     

    Contact: Eric Young, Eaton’s EMC Engineers, Inc., 303-974-1200; email:

    ericyoungpe@comcast.net


    By-Laws:

    Maintain By-Laws and provide recommendations to promote practical Council operations.               

    There were no by-law changes for 2010-11.             

    Chair William Hoffmann, Jr., CTL/Thompson, 719-528-8300; whoffmann@ctlthompson.com

     


    Design and Construction Coalition - Annual Report 
    Participation with AIA and AGC's Leadership on issues that impact the design and construction industry.
     

    DCC began to meet again on a quarterly basis beginning February 2011 with ACEC/CO hosting the meetings for this calendar year.  Besides discussing legislation that affects the design and construction industry and other issues of mutual concern, the coalition is planning a joint event – “How to be a Congressman” followed by a reception in November 2011.

     

    Chair: William Hoffmann, Jr., CTL/Thompson, 719-528-8300; whoffmann@ctlthompson.com


    Professional Conduct:

    Evaluate complaint in accordance with the By-Laws.                                                            

    There were no professional conduct issues for 2010-11.  
               
    Chair: Eric Young, Eaton’s EMC Engineers, Inc., 303-974-1200; email: ericyoungpe@comcast.net


    Strategic Planning:
    Set a long term vision of ACEC/CO.
     

    Chair: Eric Young, Eaton’s EMC Engineers, Inc., 303-974-1200; email: ericyoungpe@comcast.net


    Nominating: Annual Report
    Promote candidates for office which will enhance, promote and represent ACEC/CO.

    Completed a slate officers and board members for 2011-12 that was approved by the membership:

    CANDIDATES:
    Secretary-Treasurer                                       Greg Roush, Leonard Rice Engineer  Director, District 1 - Metro                           Elizabeth Stolfus, Stolfus & Associates
    Director, District 1 – Metro                          Duane Jansen, Martin/Martin
    Director, District 1 – Metro                          Tom Moore, The RMH Group; (completing Diana Horner’s term that ends 2012)

    Director, District 3 – South                           John Radcliffe, Nolte
    Director, District 4 - West                              John Sikora, URS
                   
    The following officers will move through the chairs as follows:
    President                                            Eric Young, EMC Engineers, a division Eaton
    Vice President                                   Mike Ellsberry, Huitt-Zollars, Inc.
    Past President                                   Bill Hoffmann, CTL/Thompson

    Continuing Directors are:
    Director, Metro – Jane Boand, David Evans and Associates
    Director, North – Brian Zick, The Engineering Company
    National Director – Lauren Evans, Pinyon Environmental, Inc.


     
    Chair: Rob Refvem, Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, 303-721-1400; rob.refvem@fhueng.com

     


    President's Council:

    Maintain and encourage continued involvement and input of past presidents.
     

    Seventeen past presidents attended their annual breakfast in January 2011 when they nominated Stan Neujahr of Neujahr and Gorman as the recipient of the 2011 Orley Phillips Award, discussed issues that affect the membership and industry, and received an update on the Council’s activities from ACEC/CO President Bill Hoffmann.  The past presidents asked to be invited to a board discussion on the future of the Council during the Board and Committee Chair Orientation in May.

    Chair: Rob Refvem, Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, 303-721-1400; rob.refvem@fhueng.com

     


    Staff
    Maintain a strong, enthusiastic and energetic professional staff.


    Contact: William Hoffmann, Jr., CTL/Thompson, 719-528-8300; whoffmann@ctlthompson.com

    Executive Committee: Annual Report
    Conduct meetings of the Executive Committee on a timely basis to handle necessary planning and executive functions for ACEC/CO.
     

    The Executive Committee did not meet independently of the board meetings during 2010-11 fiscal year.


    Executive Committee Chair: William Hoffmann, Jr., CTL/Thompson, 719-528-8300; whoffmann@ctlthompson.com

     



    American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado, "ACEC/CO"
    The Voice of Colorado's Engineering Industry.