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As I reflect back on my year as
president of ACEC/CO, and indeed my entire
involvement with ACEC, one of the things that
always impressed me is the friendships and
working relationships that develop among those
who really are competitors. It is obvious that
for our industry in general, and particularly
for those who find value in ACEC, the
competition is friendly and the relationships
valued by all.
I was again reminded of this
around the time that the Chinese welcomed their
new year - the Year of the Ox. As happens every
two years around this time, those of us who
worked at Chen & Associates hold a reunion. If
you haven’t been in Denver for the last 20
years, Chen & Associates was a multi-discipline
engineering firm with offices throughout the
Rockies, headquartered here in Denver, and
considered one of the top geotechnical companies
in the area. In 1989, the firm was sold to a
British holding company, and the employees
started leaving for other opportunities. A lot
of firms have spun out of Chen—Kumar &
Associates, HP Geotech, Hollingsworth &
Associates, Ground Engineering, Northwest
Colorado Consultants, Applied Geotechnical
Engineering Consultants and of course my firm,
Pinyon Environmental.
Beyond the spin-offs, what is
amazing is that 20 years after the sale of the
company, a reunion still draws more than 70
people. It is not only a testament to the
people who worked there, but to the company
leadership and to the founder, Dr. Fu Hua Chen.
We’ve talked a lot about leadership lately, and
the need for more engineers to be leaders. Dr.
Chen certainly fit that mold—he was the chief
engineer of the famed Burma Road, connecting
China with Burma, over three mountain ranges. After that road fell to the Japanese in 1942, he
oversaw the construction of the Tibetan highway,
connecting China with India. At some times he
was in charge of 30,000 employees, working in
conditions none of us can even imagine. I would
suspect that leading a company of engineers and
scientists in Denver was a bit tame after all of
that, but Dr. Chen and the other leaders at the
firm not only instilled a dedication to quality,
but also to the profession and the importance of
being involved in the community. It is not
surprising that of the 52 presidents of ACEC/CO,
five of us worked at Chen.
The engineering industry in
Colorado is facing a lot of challenges right now—lack of funding from both private sector and
public sector clients, a recession and unknown
time to recovery, and government at both the
state and federal level that is inclined to grow
their agencies and contract less. There will
also be an attempt to increase business
requirements that will affect all of us. We can
individually complain about it, or as an
industry we can band together and try to fight
unreasonable requirements and the stated
perception that government is more efficient
than the private sector. (OK, actually we can
do both, plus we can probably get together and
complain, which is a third option.)
As I stated in my address a year
ago, engineers need to step up and be more vocal
to help the nation solve the myriad challenges we are facing, and I thank all of you
for your support of ACEC/CO and the time you
spent advancing the mission. It has been an
honor to work with all of you, but the work is
far from done, and the challenges keep growing.
I know that
working together to confront the challenges
facing our industry will be a major focus for
incoming president Rob Refvem. Under the
Chinese system, the Earth Ox year calls for hard
work. Information on the Year of the Ox also
states that patience is needed as progress will
not be quick, and that we need to be persistent
without being pushy. It seems like great
advice, and I encourage all of you to stay
involved, and stay the course. Thank you again.
-Lauren Evans, ACEC/CO
President |
 Looking
for a Great
Return On Investment?
Consider your ACEC/CO Membership!
In a recent survey conducted by the Membership Committee
on the value received by members of ACEC/CO, the respondents indicated
that the benefits of being a member firm have a total value of about
$10,750.
Considering that a median-sized firm in ACEC/CO pays
approximately $2,500 per year for its combined state and national dues,
a total value of $10,750 represents quite a return on investment!
The results of the survey, showing a breakdown of
activities, is summarized below. Clearly, Professional Development
activities are valued highly by ACEC/CO’s members (nearly 35 percent of
all benefits), and Public Relations activities and the Insurance
programs are also considered very significant benefits.
|
Activity |
Average Value |
% of Total |
|
Professional Development: |
$3,750 |
34.90% |
| |
Programs/Seminars, Future
Leaders, Resource Library, Podcast, Salary Survey,
Leadership Opportunities, and Expert Witness Certification |
|
|
|
Public Relations: |
$2,050 |
19.10% |
| |
Website, Newsletter, Engineering
Excellence Awards, Advertising Opportunities,
Directory/Annual Magazine, Publishing Opportunities |
|
|
|
Legislative Voice:
Federal, State, Local |
$1,050 |
9.80% |
|
Networking |
$1,100 |
10.20% |
|
Insurance Programs:
Life/Health, Business, Retirement |
$1,800 |
16.70% |
|
Agency Liaisons |
$700 |
6.50% |
| |
Denver, Colorado Springs, CDOT,
RTD, CDPHE, State Engineer |
|
|
|
Association Liaisons |
$300 |
2.80% |
| |
APWA, AIA, AGC, SWE, CDA, CCA,
WTS |
|
|
|
Total AverageValue |
$10,750 |
|
|
Register
online, by calling 303-832-2200, or by
e-mail
for any ACEC/CO program or event.
ACEC/CO 2009 Annual Meeting
Please join us to celebrate another year of engineering success on Friday, April
17, 6:30 pm at the Lakewood Country Club where we will be recognizing the following award
recipients:
-
George Washington
Award: Ralph R. Peterson, P.E., M.ASCE, Chairman
and CEO of CH2M Hill
-
Orley Phillips Award:
David E. Austin, P.E. of
Martin/Martin, (posthumously), and Gordon C. Meurer, P.E., Kennedy/Jenks
Consultants.
-
General Palmer Award: John Fetcher, P.E., (posthumously), pioneer on
land and water conservation issues, and developer of infrastructure in
the Steamboat Springs area.
-
Outstanding Educator Award:
Andy Leonard, Teacher at Overland
High School
-
President's Award: Chairs
of the Expert Witness Certification
Program will receive this award in
recognition of the committee's success
in developing the model for the national
Expert Witness Designation program.
Awardees include Janet Williams,
P.E., Gregg Ten Eyck, P.E., Bill
Taggart, P.E. (posthumously),
Frank Holliday, P.E., and
Darrel Holmquist, P.E.
-
Committee Chair of the Year:
Sally Corey, Outsourcing Marketing
Inc., Professional Development/Programs Committee Chair
We will also recognize our outgoing and incoming board of directors and the transfer of the ACEC/CO President's gavel
to Rob Refvem.
Cost: $55. Register by April 14.
 Engineer's
Guide to Mediation
and Arbitration Seminar
Four prominent Colorado
construction-industry attorneys will hold a panel
discussion on alternative dispute resolution
(ADR), April 22, 11:30am - 5:00pm
at the
Doubletree Hotel, 3203 Quebec Street,
Denver.
This seminar is designed for
engineers and administrators at all levels
who want to learn more about expert witness
or the legal ramifications of the
engineering profession. Deadline for
early registration is April 15.
Roles & Relationships in Construction
Seminar
The AIA/AGC/ACEC
Liaison Committee is presenting this one-day
interactive session designed for
project managers with two to five years
experience. The seminar is Wednesday,
April 15, 7:45 am to 4:00 pm at the
Lakewood Country Club, West 10th Avenue &
Pierce Street - Lakewood, Colorado.
Click here for more information and
registration.
 Wake-up
Breakfast Series
Held 7:30-9 am at the Sunrise-Sunset
Restaurant, 1424 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood.
Members $20.
Wednesday, May 5th
Speaker: Ed Harvey. Topic: Natural
Resources & Economics
Ed Harvey joined BBC Research &
Consulting in 1973 and served as a Managing Director
of the firm from 1989 until 2002, when he formed
Harvey Economics. His career has been devoted to
water, mineral, energy and environmental resource
studies and community change. He has conducted many
economic, financial and market studies, and he has
focused on regulatory issues, new business
opportunities or restructuring, and impacts upon
businesses, employees, government and affected
populations. He has directed socioeconomic
evaluations for a number of Environmental Impact
Statements (EISs) and Environmental Assessments (EAs).
Breakfast Series
Podcasts For Sale
Missed a Wake-up Call Breakfast Series?
Not to worry! Now you can catch up by purchasing our
breakfast series presentations podcasts. Available to
members for $20 each or 3 for $45. To purchase, contact
jennifer@acec-co.org or call
303-832-2200. The following are now available:
-
March 4th, 2009, Renewable
Energy Sources and Costs by Lee Boughey,
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
-
January 7th, 2009: It's Not As Bad
As You Think: An Economic Review by Brian
Coggon, Engineered Finance, LLC
-
December 3rd, 2008: Important Emerging
Trends & Issues by Bill Wallace of Wallace Futures
Group, LLC,
-
November 5th, 2008: Demographics and
the World of Predicting Your Market by Rod Hoffman,
CEO and co-founder of S&H Consulting
CDOT, FHWA and ACEC/CO are taking
a collaborative effort to define what makes a quality
NEPA document and how to get there. To this end, another workshop
will be held on April 16th,
8 am to 5 pm at FHWA, 12300 West Dakota
Ave., Trail Ridge Rd. Conference Room, Lakewood. Register by
sending your name, agency/company, and e-mail address to
deborah.mcalexander@fhwa.dot.gov. For general questions and more information contact
Stephanie Gibson at
stephanie.gibson@fhwa.dot.gov.
 Sustainability '09
- Discount for ACEC Members on Exhibit Space
ACEC-CO is a sponsor for the Colorado
Facilities and Green Building Expo and Conference,
entitled Sustainability 09', May 6, 10 am - 3 pm and
May 7, 10 am - 2 pm at the
Colorado Convention Center. If you are interested in the
sustainability of your building or helping to make your
building green, this is the show for you. ACEC members
receive a 10% discount on booth space
10%
member discount on the cost of a booth for ACEC members
who wish to exhibit (regular booth price is $1900,
discounted price for ACEC/CO members - $1710). For more
information and registration
click here.
COBRA Subsidy Rules—ACEC Life/Health Trust Healthcare Update
ACEC/CO and Van Gilder are hosting an
insurance information program Tuesday, April 28,
7:30-9:30 am at the Denver Country Club, Denver Room. This
session will cover the new COBRA Subsidy rules under the
stimulus law and Colorado
HB 07-1355. Presentations given by Laura Fry, Fry
Consulting/Insurance Business Consultant, and Mark W.
Major, J.D., ERISA/Employee Benefits Specialist. RSVP by Friday, April 24 to
cleitner@vgic.com.
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Prospective Affiliate Members: Thomas Cole,
Terracon.
Welcome New
Affiliate Member: Robert Manzanares, HNTB:
1600 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202. 303-839-8300
rmanzanares@hntb.com
. Robert is a graduate of New Mexico State
University with a B.S. degree in Civil
Engineering. Recommendations came from Greg
Fischer, Ridley Moorman, and Anthony Marcello.
Transfer of Membership: Christopher Lattimer,
Lattimer Engineering, Inc.
Resignations: Ron Geurts,
CRG & Associates, Inc. |
Engineers in the News
 The
City of Fountain Utilities Department has been awarded
the 2009 Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) Colorado
Award for Professional Procurement Services. Rick Coldsnow, P.E., former
QBS board member and president of
Professional Engineers of Colorado, and Dave Krenek,
P.E., president of the Colorado Engineering Council,
presented the award to Michael R. Fink, P.E., F.NSPE,
water resource engineer for the City of Fountain
Utilities Department.
The QBS Colorado award recognizes
public and private entities that make exemplary use of
the QBS selection process at the state and local levels. Photo by Linda Hobbs.
Tom Cole, P.E.
(pictured at left), has joined Terracon’s Wheat Ridge office as
senior consultant. Tom is the former president of Signet
Testing Labs in
Sacramento, and brings more than 18 years experience in geotechnical
and construction materials engineering and testing to
the firm.
Job Board
 Growth in a Tough Economy
Successful businesses understand the key
to growing in a tough economy is by employing quality
employees.
Investing in the infrastructure of your organization is
vital to your success. By posting jobs on the ACEC-CO
Job Board, you will get more traffic from engineering
professionals. Plus you can widen your talent search
with access to thousands of resumes. Visit the ACEC-CO
Job Board today!
• FIND QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED
CANDIDATES • SEARCH RESUMES
• GAIN MORE EXPOSURE
•
WIDEN TALENT SEARCH
www.jobboard.acec-co.org
303-832-2200
Is Your Staff
Benefiting from Your ACEC/CO
Membership?
When a firm joins ACEC/CO, principals,
owners, and other members of the firm can also benefit.
Here are just a few of the benefits available:
-
Committee and liaison
participation
-
Attending meetings
and seminars at member prices
-
Business insurance:
employees can purchase discounted
personal car and home insurance if the firm is
covered by ACEC Business Insurance Trust
Develop your staff’s skills in
leadership, communication, presentation, teamwork, and
networking. By encouraging your staff to join a
committee, you give them a risk-free environment to
practice these skills, and an opportunity to learn from
peers and mentors.
Some committees offer opportunities to meet with agencies and
potential clients such as CDOT, CDPHE, the State
Engineer, and municipalities, to name a few. Network
with colleagues of similar disciplines, interests, and
passions. Develop new relationships to partner on
projects. Discuss current issues that affect your
business and your clients’ businesses.
Committee service is also a great way to give back, and have fun
doing it! Click
here for a listing of committees, their missions and
their activities, or
log in to see members-only committee resources. Your
committee service will be time well spent to the
advantage of your business for the long term.
 Small Firm Council Report
The ACEC Small Firm Council Winter
Meeting was held in Nashville, TN on February 27 and 28.
This year’s meeting was co-sponsored by the ACEC Council
of Professional Surveyors. Thirty-seven ACEC members
attended the one-day presentation by David Burstein of
PSMJ, who gave us a special version of the PSMJ
Principals Bootcamp. This program was tailored to small
firms in general, and refined to specifically emphasize
topics requested by the audience. David has been a
frequent presenter to the SFC, and based on member
evaluations of this years’ program, it is likely that
David will be invited back to our winter meeting
again---maybe as early as next February.
Incoming ACEC
Chairman Tim Psomas joined the meeting for the always
lively CEO roundtable, where members discuss issues
facing their firm and the group offers ideas and
examples of their practices. The CEO roundtable format
has proven popular; there will be a small firm CEO
roundtable at the ACEC Convention in Washington, D.C. on
April 26, and again at the fall conference in October.
If you are interested in joining the SFC, please contact
Heather Talbert at
htalbert@acec.org or the SFC Chairman, Rob Overfield
from Engineering Associates in Cody, Wyoming at
RobertOv@EAEngineers.com. Colorado members Mark
Hamouz, Mark McDonald and Gregg Ten Eyck were in
attendance and could also answer questions you might
have about the SFC Winter Meeting.
-Gregg Ten Eyck, Small Firm Council
Chair
General
-
DOT Secretary Ray LaHood will
speak at ACEC’s 100th Anniversary
Convention in Washington, D.C. at the end of
April.
-
Nominations are currently being accepted for
ACEC’s 2009 Community Service Awards which
recognize Member Firm
owners and principals who have made a
positive difference in their communities.
Nomination forms and guidelines are
available on the ACEC website or by
contacting Daisy Nappier at 202-682-4340.
Government
Affairs
- The
House of
Representatives overwhelmingly approved
the “Water Quality Investment Act of
2009” which includes a significant boost
in federal loans for wastewater
projects, and the application of QBS to
EPA State Revolving Fund projects.
- Presented the engineering industry's
perspective on levee liability issues at
the Levee Policy Forum hosted by The
Infrastructure Security Partnership
- Successfully defended the use of QBS on
a major overseas infrastructure
procurement for A/E services managed by
USAID.
- Outlined the engineering industry's
views on storm water Effluent Limitation
Guidelines in public comments submitted
to EPA, including input on prescriptive
sediment and erosion control and ACEC's
preference for the Best Management
Practice option.
- ACEC’s Federal
Agencies and Procurement Advocacy
Committee meeting in Washington,
D.C. featured presentations on
business opportunities from NAVFAC, GSA, and the State Department’s
Office of Overseas Buildings Operations.
- Hosted a conference on business
opportunities for member firms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
that included presentations from the US-UAE Business Council, U.S.
Department of Commerce, and law and insurance firms with extensive
business in the UAE.
- ACEC’s Environment and Energy
Committee meeting in Washington, D.C. featured presentations by
House and Senate environmental committee staff, EPA’s Office of
Wastewater Management, and the Corps of Engineer’s Engineering and
Construction Team.
- The House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee approved an FAA reauthorization bill that
expands the reach of QBS to include certain projects funded through
Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs).
ACEC Trust Programs
ACEC Business Insurance Trust
The ACEC
Business Insurance Trust oversees The ProShop
program, which provides business and professional
liability insurance coverage for participating ACEC
member firms. The ProShop 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. The plan underwriter is
The Hartford,
and the plan administrator is
Marsh USA Inc.
The Trust has authorized Marsh to
make engineers' professional liability coverage
available to member firms. Neither ACEC nor the
Trust endorses any one PLI provider. It is the
objective of Marsh to offer a choice of providers
for PLI coverage. The selection of underwriters may
change from time to time.
For more information on the
Business Insurance Trust,
including contact information on the Trustees,
please
click here. Further information on the program,
including quotations, can be obtained by contacting
Sharon Zach
of Marsh at (800) 338-1391 and
sharon.l.zach@marsh.com.
The ACEC Life/Health Insurance
Trust oversees a program that provides life and
health insurance coverage for participating ACEC
member firms. The program offers flexible
benefits designed by engineers for engineers.
You'll find the right plans for your whole firm
in one place: health, dental, disability, life
and more. With the program, you're backed by the
group purchasing power of more than 1,700 firms
and 26,000 employees. The plan is administered
and underwritten by UnitedHealthcare.
For more details on the Trust,
including Trustee contact information, please
click here. To find out more about the
Trust, or to receive a no-obligation quote,
please call 800-573-0415. Existing Trust
employers and members can find more program
information at
www.uhctoday.com/acec.
ACEC
Retirement Trust
The ACEC Retirement Trust
oversees a program that provides
retirement plans for participating ACEC
member firms. The program recordkeeper,
Prudential Retirement, offers
full service 401(k), Profit Sharing,
Money Purchase, and Defined Benefit
plans with discounted fee schedules to
all member firms. Investment options are
comprehensive and are reviewed regularly
by an independent investment advisor
retained by the Trust. A dedicated
service team at Prudential ensures
professional assistance with all aspects
of administering the participating
firms' retirement plans.
For more information
on the Retirement Trust, including contact
information on the Trustees, please
click here. Further information on
the program can be obtained by
contacting
Nancy
Barrette of Wachovia
Securities, LLC, at (800) 521-9463 or
nancy.barrette@wachoviasec.com.
The ACEC Staff Liaison for all three Trusts is
Charles Kim. He can be reached at (202)
347-7474 or
ckim@acec.org.
Give and Take: Consider an Intern for a
Rewarding Partnership
In tough economic times, finding engineering employees to meet corporate needs
can become a
challenge. College student interns are a viable solution
to function within tight budgets and meet business
demands. College students with hands-on experience are
ideal, but most engineering programs are predominantly
theoretical. For a list of all engineering programs in
Colorado, visit . For a list of internship coordinators,
visit
www.acec-co.org/education/interns.html. For a list
of all engineering programs in Colorado, visit
www.acec-co.org/education/other_scholarship.html.
The Engineering Technology program at
Metro State College of Denver (MSCD) focuses on applied
engineering. The students work with industry equipment
to blend the theoretical portion of engineering with
hands-on labs. Students become comfortable with
industry demands for design, testing and
troubleshooting. An MSCD engineering intern provides a
cost-effective solution to obtain results to many short-term issues. The internship also enhances the student's
education by combining classroom learning with
real-world experience.
The MSCD Internship Center works with
employers to match students with positions that best use
the applied skills and theoretical training received in
the college's academic programs. For employers, the
benefits include:
The expectations of
the student interns by the employer include:
-
A supervisor who
will determine an appropriate project or set of
activities that will occupy the student’s time. Job
duties can include some “go-fer” work, but should
primarily be at a para-professional level. The student
should be building skills that will apply toward an
entry level position in the field. The job duties will
be outlined in writing.
-
The supervisor needs
to be available to train the student and provide
teaching and guidance as they learn the job.
-
The supervisor will
host a short visit from the student’s internship
coordinator or faculty advisor. The internship coordinator will serve as the college representative in
the rare event of any problems or issues with the
student.
-
The supervisor will
be asked to fill out a written evaluation for the
student.
If you are
interested in exploring the opportunities presented by
the MSCD internship program, visit our website at
www.mscd.edu/internship. Click on “Employers”
then scroll down and look for the Position Announcement
Form. Fill out the form and submit it to us. We can fax resumes of
interested students to you or we can refer students to
your website. Or give Rhonda Eaker a call at 303
556-3290.
Recognizing the Snares and Pitfalls in A/E/C Industry
Contracts
ACEC hosts this 1 1/2 day course May
28-29, in Philadelphia, PA. Identify and
demystify two dozen "red-flag contract provisions" that
you must understand to maintain professional
standards and protect your business. For information,
contact
education@acec.org or call 202-347-7474, ext. 338.
Information also available online at
www.acec.org.
Colorado Small Business Forum - Labor Law
Have you ever wanted to know more about
US Labor Laws? Colorado Labor Laws? Employee vs. Contract
Labor? IRS is hosting a Small Business Forum (SBF) with
US Department of Labor, & CO Division of Labor to
provide small business owners & organization/association
members with
information
on this important area for employers,
May 27, 9 am to noon,
at 1999 Broadway,
Denver. This event is free of charge so register
early as seating is limited. For questions and more
information contact Ann Burton at 303-603-4723 or
Ann.Burton@irs.gov.
To register, e-mail:
sl.northwest@irs.gov.
Webcast—Green Energy eForum
Nine experts keep you on top of the
latest solutions. Hosted by the Green Energy Economy
Center at Challenge International. April 8, 10 am
Mountain time. $49 per connection. Visit
www.GreenEnergyEconomyCtr.com.
SWEP Rocky Mountain Chapter
Events
Happy Hour co-hosted with RMAEP,
Thursday, April
16, 5:30 to
8:00pm, at Uptown Tavern on
17th Ave in downtown Denver; contact
dmcneill@ecc.net
for more information
Free Lunch
N' Learn—Changes to LEED from 2.2 to 2009
The Rocky
Mountain Masonry Institute is hosting a free lunch n'
learn seminar for architects and engineers on
April 8, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at 686 Mariposa St., Denver. Bring your lunch
and learn for free. We provide self-report certificates
and DORA forms. Advance registration is not required,
although a courtesy RSVP would be appreciated,
303-893-3838 or
info@rmmi.org.
Free Thornton Business Expo 2009
The City of Thornton presents the 2009
Business Expo - Advancing Thornton's Business Community
on Friday, April 24, 7:30 am - 1:30 pm at the
Stonebrook Manor, Thornton.
Join other Thornton business leaders for an informative
morning of networking. Hear Mayor Erik Hansen deliver
the State of The City address, and meet key city staff
that can assist businesses. The expo is free, but you
are required to register to attend and receive a lunch
ticket.
Click here for more information and registration.
Alternative Energy
Business Opportunities
from SMPS
The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) hosts
their monthly lunch on Alternative Energy Business
Opportunities
April
8, 2009, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
at the Oxford Hotel. Visit
www.smpscolorado.org.
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