The American Council of Engineering Companies of Nebraska is pleased to announce the results of their board of directors election held on June 8th in Lincoln. Two new board members were elected to join the board: Rob Brigham, JEO Consulting Group and
Jane Jordan, PB Americas, Inc. ACEC/N welcomes the newest members of the Board
of Directors and looks forward to their contributions.
Rob Brigham from JEO Consulting Group
Jane Jordan from PB America's Inc.
"The addition of Mr. Brigham and Ms Jordan to ACEC/N’s Board of Directors ensures the association will continue to benefit from a diversity of knowledge and experience. Rob and Jane bring to the board strong leadership skills, extensive management experience, and proven track records,” said Jackie McCullough, Executive Director for ACEC/N. “We are looking forward to working with them and the new board leadership.”
In addition to electing new board members, the ACEC/N Board announced the results of its officer elections. ACEC/N Board of Directors elected Martin Wiedenman, Performance Engineering, Inc. as the new board president
Martin is a licensed engineer and principal of Performance Engineering, Inc., a full service structural design and consulting firm based in Omaha.
John S. Olsson P.E., and office leader for the Olsson Associates Lincoln location, was elected as president-elect on the board of directors. John has served on the board of directors for seven years. Olsson Associates provides complete and comprehensive design and consulting engineering services with offices located across the state.
Rick Herrick P.E. is Vice President, Assistant Division Manager and the Transportation Practice Manager for Alfred Benesch & Company’s (formerly HWS Consulting Group) Great Plains Region.
Jack Baker, P.E., was elected to serve as board Treasurer. Jack is the principal owner of Baker & Associates in Scottsbluff. Baker & Associates specializes in all phases of civil engineering and infrastructure development. Jack is the second generation of Bakers to serve on the Board and enter the succession towards President. Jack’s father, John, served on the board and as its president in 2000-01.
Additional returning board members include: Matt Tondl, HDR; Steve Kathol, Schemmer Associates; Phil Schreier, Farris Engineering and Kyle Anderson, Felsburg Holt & Ullevig. These election results provided strong reaffirmation of ACEC/N’s mission and strategic plan which have guided the association to become the widely recognized "voice of the industry."
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Nebraska is the voice of America’s engineering industry. ACEC/N is the only organization devoted exclusively to the business and advocacy interests of engineering companies. Our members are engaged in a wide range of engineering and construction projects that propel the nation’s economy and enhance and safeguard America’s quality of life. To learn more visit www.acecnebraska.org
ACEC Vice President for Government Affairs, Steve Hall briefs
ACEC/Nebraska members on legislative issues
Representatives from ACEC/N joined more than 1,000 business and policy leaders at the ACEC Annual Convention in Washington, D.C. April 25th – 28th. In addition to the many educational seminars and of course keynote speakers from the political arena, members also took the industry’s message to Capitol Hill. Convention lobbying focused on infrastructure initiatives, defense of contracting out, and repeal of the three percent withholding mandate.
Our ACEC/Nebraska delegation spent a full day on Capitol Hill meeting with both Senators and two Representatives talking about those subjects, the impact on our industry and related the ramifications to Nebraska engineering firms. We also asked each member to co-sponsor the 3% withholding mandate legislation– Congressman Terry signed on the spot! The bill was reintroduced this year (H.R. 275 and S292) and requires legislators to co-sign the new bill even if they were co-signers of the previous bill. We also discussed our concerns about the continuing stalled transportation delivery system in our state and the effect on our firms and the citizens of the state.
Kyle Anderson, Loren Steenson, Senator Mike Johanns and Rob Brigham discuss the issues.
Mike McMeekin, Kyle Anderson and Congressman Lee Terry.
Nebraska’s Elected Federal Delegation all agreed that the public sector is getting too large and the benefits of outsourcing are obvious – over and above the innovation the private sector brings to the table. The infrastructure funding will be a greater challenge with much more debate. It all comes down to funding – you aren’t surprised are you?
Rob Brigham, Senator Ben Nelson,
Mike McMeekin and Loren Steenson.
Mike McMeekin, Loren Steenson, Congressman Adrian Smith, Kyle Anderson and Rob Brigham.
Thanks to Kyle Anderson, FHU; Rob Brigham, JEO; Mike McMeekin, Lamp Rynearson; and Loren Steenson, Lamp Rynearson for their outstanding representation of Nebraska engineering community.
Meet and Greet Coffee with the Director of UNL Facilities Planning and Construction.
ACEC/N Members and AIA Nebraska Members met with the Director of Facilities Planning and Construction for the University of Nebraska Lincoln Wednesday, May 26th. Richard Byfield is nearing the end of his first year at UNL and in Nebraska. He has implemented several policy changes in an effort to improve the division’s performance.
Mr. Byfield, an architect, shared his background and relayed successes he has had at similar positions with other institutions as well as his project management philosophy.
Members had an opportunity to ask questions and discuss how some of th policy changes affect the industry. The Meet and Greet Coffee was a good beginning that opened the communication between the Facilities Planning and Construction Division and the industry. We look forward to future opportunities to continue the dialogue.
The American Council of Engineering Companies
of Nebraska or ACEC/Nebraska provides private
engineering firms with the tools and educational
opportunities to be better business owners
and managers.
ACEC/Nebraska represents over 45 consulting
engineering firms doing business in Nebraska.
We are the only organization devoted exclusively
to the business and advocacy interests of
engineering companies. Our members
are engaged in a wide range of engineering
and construction projects that propel the
nation’s economy and enhance and safeguard
America’s quality of life.
Please contact ACEC/Nebraska today to find out
how you can join and help promote Nebraska’s
engineering industry. Call 402-476-2572.
House Members Praise ACEC and Pass Special Resolution
Honoring ACEC’S 100th Anniversary
The ACEC Retirement Trust offers a wide range of financial services for both employers and individuals and can manage your program with discounted fee schedules to all member firms.<{invalid_tag_id}>
The
Trust’s single most important objective is to deliver positive outcomes for you and your participants. To accomplish this objective, the Trustee’s and their highly credentialed experts work with you to develop a customized solution that’s right for your plan, your organization and your participants. This “intelligent solution” allows
you to realize the following benefits:
Control—With
our help, you have the flexibility to customize
your retirement offering so it’s ideally
suited to your organization, your participants
and your future.
Real Results—Thanks to a best-in-class investment approach and innovative communication and education, we can help your participants build real wealth and value.
Oversight—The ACEC Retirement Trust provides a unique, meticulously developed fiduciary support and risk-management process that ensures you meet all your obligations.
Freedom—Simply put, spending less time focusing on your retirement plan means more time to concentrate on your business. We deliver these benefits in a variety of ways.
First and foremost by taking the time to analyze your organization, your people and your unique needs, and then developing a highly customized program that fits your organization perfectly.
Second, by offering the depth and breadth of retirement products and services that can handle all your retirement program needs:
Best-in-Class investment approach
Segmented and personalized education and communication
Comprehensive advisory services
Risk management
Secure Retirement
Finally, each of these services is backed by a team of highly qualified, service-driven professionals who are ready to roll up their sleeves and put their considerable expertise into delivering intelligent solutions that work for you. All this not only makes us exceptionally easy to do business with, it also means you can rely on us for all your retirement needs.
For more information on the Trust, please visit the website: www.acecrt.com or contact:
Nancy Barrette
Managing Director - Investments
Wells Fargo Advisors
255 E. Brown Street, Suite 400
Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 433-8562
1-800-521-9463 nancy.barrette@wellsfargoadvisors.com
______________________
The American Council of
Engineering Companies, or ACEC, provides private consulting engineering firms with
the tools and educational opportunities to
be better business owners and managers.
ACEC is the only national
organization of engineers engaged in the practice
of consulting engineering. It is comprised of
51 state and regional Member Organizations, representing
more than 5,600 independent engineering firms
throughout the United States. ACEC’s member firms
offer expertise in a wide range of engineering
disciplines.
The American Council of
Engineering Companies/Nebraska (ACEC/N) represents
over 45 consulting engineering firms doing business
in Nebraska. Its mission, consistent with the
goals of the national organization, is to improve
the quality of life in Nebraska by strengthening
the business environment for and image of the
consulting engineering profession.
Engineered components give
us greater mobility, more work and recreational
opportunities, and a better overall quality of
life than we would otherwise have. The components
of our “build environment” --- roads, bridges,
tunnels, buildings, sewers, water-treatment systems,
hazardous-waste disposal, and others – make people’s
lives safer, cleaner and more comfortable.
Engineers figure out how
to suspend a bridge, clean rainwater, build earthquake-resistant
buildings or heat and cool a 40-story building.
The consulting engineer, an independent entrepreneur
with specialized expertise, is the technical
professional who investigates the physical challenges,
then develops the best, most innovative and effective
solutions possible.
ACEC/Nebraska
Information
Member Firms Click here for
a list of ACEC/Nebraska members
Want to Become a Member? Click here to find more information on how
to become an ACEC/N member firm.
Our Board of Directors review all membership applications at the Board Meetings. Click here to start your applications process.
Click the video to hear Senator Ben Nelson's comments on ACEC's accomplishments and the contributions of the engineering industry. (click on movie)
ACEC Nebraska protects
your interests in the Legislature
We are an advocate for the promotion and protection
of our members business interests at local,
state and national levels.
ACEC Nebraska sponsors seminars, conferences
and workshops
We provide resources for engineering companies
to improve their business practices, efficiency,
profitability and quality. ACEC/Nebraska
provides opportunities for professional development
at the state and national level.
ACEC Nebraska is your liaison with state
and local agencies
We provide opportunities for member firms to interact
with public clients including city governments
and state agencies.
ACEC Nebraska offers cost-saving benefit
programs
Our members have access to ACEC’s discount programs
which are designed to help control your firm’s
costs and increasing our member's bottom-line.
ACEC Nebraska promotes our industry
We provide opportunities for engineers to effect
positive change within their profession and opportunities to give back to their profession.
ACEC Nebraska publishes an annual directory
Our membership directory is mailed to local, city
and state officials to use as a reference when
selecting consulting engineering firms for public
projects.
ACEC/NEBRASKA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Promote the legislative interest of ACEC/N. Review, draft,
monitor and act on legislation that could have an impact on member firms' bottom line.
Communicate legislative issues to our members and the members of the legislature. Sponsor Legislative Day to assist members in meeting their legislators.
ACEC/NEBRASKA MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Recruit prospective members
and retain current members of ACEC/N. Encourage member involvement
in the Council and its programs, as well as to
ensure ACEC/N is meeting all members needs.
ACEC/NEBRASKA PAC COMMITTEE
Secure and distribute funds for political
candidates running for state or local office and
ballot initiatives affecting our industry.
ACEC/NEBRASKA BUSINESS PRACTICES COMMITTEE
Establish education programs for the Council’s
members to obtain Professional Development Hours
for participation. Promote Qualifications Based Selection
as the method for procuring engineering services
in Nebraska. Protect our firms from unfair business practices.
ENGINEERING PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEES
Serve
as a liaison, provide dialogue, present issues
of concern, problem solve, and build/improve
relations with officials representing our public partners.
Omaha Public Works
Lincoln Public Works & Utilities
Nebraska Department of Roads
Corp of Engineers
INTEGRATED PRACTICES COMMITTEE
Develop opportunities to educate ACEC/Nebraska
members and public and private clients about alternate forms of project delivery. Serve as an educational resource to public and private owners on all types of design methods,
and encourage the exclusive use of professional
Qualifications Based Selection, QBS.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
Develop industry-wide consensus positions and national leadership on issues important to environmental engineering firms; develop a proactive legislative & regulatory advocacy program and communicate with members on environmental issues that may affect their business.
PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Promotes public awareness of the practice of engineering and ACEC/Nebraska. Publicizes awards programs and all other committee and council activities.
SMALL FIRMS COMMITTEE
Principals meet to discuss issues
commonly faced by smaller consulting firms.
ACEC/NEBRASKA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE Dan Park, Chair
(PAC) Mike McMeekin, Chair
ACEC National PAC Chairperson
Dan Thiele, Chair
ACEC Nebraska PAC
BUSINESS PRACTICES COMMITTEE
Jane Jordan, Chair
ENGINEERING PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEES
Mike Piernicky, Chair
Omaha Engineering Partnership Sub-Committee
Brad Levich, Chair
Lincoln Engineering Partnership Sub-Committee
Matt McFadden , Chair
Transportation/NDOR
Sub-Committee
Joel Carson , Chair
Corp of Engineers
Sub-Committee
INTEGRATED PRACTICES
COMMITTEE
Matt Kronaizl, Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
Eric Obert, Chair
ACEC Nebraska Public Relations Committee Julie Gasper , Chair
Small Firms Committee
Larry Lewis, Chair
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS
ANNOUNCED AT A RECEPTION AND DINNER, FEBRUARY 16, 2010
AT THE CHAMPIONS RUN COUNTRY CLUB IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS.....
EEA Awards Night:
From ACEC National
Eight Firms Vie For Engineering’s Top Honor at EEA Gala at Convention
Now that the Oscars are over, the spotlight turns to the “Academy Awards of the engineering industry”—the upcoming Engineering Excellence Awards at the ACEC Annual Convention in Washington, D.C. on April 27.
The annual black-tie EEA Gala will celebrate 163 engineering projects by Member Firms. Emmy Award-winner Ross Shafer will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.
Vying for the Grand Conceptor Award—the highest honor—will be eight Member Firms: Walter P Moore for Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas; Hatch Mott MacDonald/Jacobs Joint Venture, Central Link Section 710, Beacon Hill Station and Tunnels, Seattle, Wash.; Magnusson Klemencic Associates, Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, Dallas, Texas; HNTB Corp., Bob Kerrey PedestrianBridge, Omaha, Neb.;Brown and Caldwell, Littleton/Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant, Englewood, Colo.; Hatch Mott MacDonald, Sea-To-Sky Highway Improvement, Horseshoe Bay to Whistler, British Columbia; Michael Baker Jr., Inc., TMI Steam Generator Transport Project, Middletown, Pa.; HDR Engineering Inc., Gills Onions Advanced Energy Recovery System, Oxnard, Calif.
In addition, HDR’s “Nebraska City 2 Power Plant” has received and Honor Award and CH2MHill’s “Omaha Long Term Control Plan” study was a National Finalist.
Congratulations to our members on recognition of their outstanding projects. Good luck to HNTB on the Grand Conceptor Award.
GRAND AWARD...
BOB KERREY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
HNTB CORPORATION
FOR THE CITY OF OMAHA, NEBRASKA
Grand Award: HNTB Corporation
"Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge"
L to R: Kyle Anderson ACEC/N Pres., Larry Foster City of Council Bluffs, Kelly Van Elders HNTB, Chris Brown HNTB, Mayor Tom Hanafan Council Bluffs Iowa, Melinda Pearson City of Omaha, NE, Mayor Jim Suttle Omaha, NE and Lt Governor Sheehy
Honor Award: CH2M Hill in association with HDR Engineering and Lamp, Rynearson & Associates
"Omaha Long Term Control Plan (CSO)"
L to R: Kyle Anderson ACEC/N Pres., Tom Heinemann CH2M Hill, Marty Grate City of Omaha, NE, and Lt. Governor Sheehy
Honor Award: HDR Engineering
"OPPD Nebraska City 2"
L to R: Kyle Anderson ACEC/N Pres., Matt Ferguson HDR Engineering, Tim Yager
OPPD, and Lt. Governor Sheehy.
Honor Award: Morrissey Engineering
"4940 Building"
L to R: Kyle Anderson ACEC/N Pres., Nick Limpach Morrissey Engineering, George Morrissey - Morrissey Engineering, and
Lt. Governor Sheehy.
********************************************
Congratulations to Craig Reinsch from Lincoln, NE who was named as one of 5 ACEC National 2010 Young Professionals of the Year.
Craig Reinsch, P.E., is an associate engineer for Olsson Associates in Lincoln, Nebraska. He has worked on various projects involving water supply and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, hydraulic modeling, and construction services. His most recent accomplishment included on-site construction services for a lake community's sanitary sewer collections system, resulting in saving over $500,000 and mitigating homeowner concerns. He has written four technical and conference proceedings articles and has presented at several local, national, and international conferences related to his research and professional experience.
Reinsch also takes time out to give back to his community, including recently chairing Nebraska's Water for People committee and being involved in their international development in the Dominican Republic. He also works at the University of Nebraska as an adjunct lecturer and is a Boy Scouts of American volunteer and an Eagle Scout. He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and master's degree in environmental engineering both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
ACEC/Nebraska Testifies at Senator Ben Nelson's
Transportation Summit
ACEC/N President Kyle Anderson and Past President Matt Tondl provided testimony about the effect bureaucratic delays and decisions are having on our state’s transportation delivery system before a panel convened by Senator Ben Nelson.
Senator Nelson convened the transportation summit “so local, state and federal stakeholders can discuss ways to get Nebraska projects under construction and completed more efficiently.”
Senator Nelson was joined on the panel by U.S. Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez and Nebraska State Senator Deb Fischer, chair of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. NDOR Director Monty Fredrickson and FHWA Nebraska Division Administrator Joe Werning were in the audience. The summit was held at the Lincoln City Council Chambers and it was an overflow crowd of more than 150.
Anderson and Tondl’s testimony noted that Federal Highway has essentially shut down the planning and design of projects by taking actions that were not necessary. They noted in particular the unprecedented approach being taken to procuring professional services. Their presentation outlined the basic concerns in three questions:
Why are changes being made to processes or policies that were not of concern?
Why are changes being made to processes or polices that already met federal guidelines?
And why, when a change is made, is the most restrictive approach being taken?
Senator Nelson asked each testifier to present solutions as well as describe the problems. ACEC/N’s key recommendations focused on these three areas:
Professional Services Procurement
Engineering Services
Environmental Document Review
The full descriptions of the recommendations can be viewed below.
We will be heavily involved in the summit follow up to effect positive changes for our industry.
ACEC Nebraska, as a Member Organization of ACEC National, is given the opportunity to participate in the ACEC
Scholarship Program. All applications must be submitted to ACEC/Nebraska and at that time screened and approved for subsmission to the national judging. ACEC/Nebraska can submit two candidates for the 2010 year scholarship--one applicant for the ACEC General Scholarship and one applicant for the Specialty CASE Scholarship. The CASE applicant must be enrolled in a Master's degree Application deadline to ACEC/Nebraska for the 2010 Scholarship Program is Monday March 1, 2010.
