BLUEPRINT: The AAa/e Newsletter
January 2014
IN THIS ISSUE

President's Message
LAUSD Deputy Director of Design & A/E Technical Support Albert Leung takes the helm as 2014 AAa/e President
  

null I am truly honored to serve as the President of the AAa/e Board of Directors for 2014.  I would like to thank John Posadas for his leadership as last year's President and helping to make 2013 one of our most successful years ever. 

Despite the rough economic times of the past few years, we have witnessed steady growth of AAa/e during that time.  Now, with renewed economic growth in California, we are ready to take the Association to the next level!  Last year, we drafted the AAa/e Draft Strategic Plan.  I am excited about the Association's vision and once finalized and approved by the Board, this plan will serve as a road map in achieving our strategic goals. 

In order to bolster your networking opportunities and professional relationship building capacity, I encourage you to maximize your participation in AAa/e's programs and become an active member of one of our many Committees, including the: Banquet, Business Development/Public Affairs, Membership/Education, Programs, Public Policy/Government Affairs, Sponsorship, and Website/Newsletter Committees. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Sponsors, Members, Advisors, Board Members, Committee Members and our Association Manager for your dedication to and generous support of the Association.  Together, we will make 2014 another great year for AAa/e!


AAa/e's 3rd Masters Series a Hit!
Leaders in Construction provide unique perspectives on "Advancing your Career"
 
In November 2013, AAa/e presented its third Masters Series: Advancing Your Career: A Perspective from Top Leaders in Construction.  A stellar panel of general contractor and construction management firm leaders conveyed the opportunities and challenges they faced during the course of their careers and the strategic moves they made to rise up in the construction industry.  Gathered in an L.A. County Department of Public Works assembly room, attendees gained discerning career advice and unique perspectives from both foreign- and native-born Asian Americans, including: Elmond K. Wan - President of KCS West; Keith Kajiya - Vice President at URS Corporation; Bill Esaki, Senior Construction Manager at PCL Construction; and Kelvin K. Okino - Vice President of Management Services at Bernards.    

AAa/e greatly appreciates the panelists' valuable advice and taking the time to network with attendees during the reception.  We would like to thank our Masters Series event sponsors for their generous support: Bernards, Glumac, and VCA Engineering. Thanks to AAa/e board members Eric Halm, Sonnet Hui, and Kurt Yoshii and our Association Manager Dianne Ochoa for organizing such an outstanding and well-attended event.


AAa/e Kicks Off 2014
We've planned a great year!
 
The 2014 AAa/e Board of Directors conducted an 8-hour strategy session to plan for a successful and eventful 2014, which will be driven by the following board members:

President: Albert Leung, LAUSD
Vice- President: Young Nam, VCA Engineers
Secretary: Sonnet Hui, Steinberg Architects
Treasurer: Virgil Aoanan, VCA Engineers
Immediate Past President, Banquet: John Posadas, Port of Los Angeles
Programs/Sponsorship: Bill Kobayashi, Kajima Construction Services West
Sponsorship: Mike Enomoto, Gruen Associates
Associates Membership/Education: Joseph Fong, Glumac
Business Development & Public Relations: Diana Ho, Diana Ho Consulting Group
Public Policy/Government Affairs, CA High Speed Rail Rep: Linden Nishinaga
Policy & Procedures, By-laws: Felicity Lao, PCL Construction
Website/Newsletter, Masters Series: Eric Halm, Bernards
Joint Programs: Kurt Yoshii, Ninyo & Moore
AAa/e Foundation President: Susan Chau, CH2M Hill
Board Member: Saik-Choon Poh, HDR
Board Member: James Okazaki, Okazaki & Associates
Board Member: Kimberly Tran, Glumac
Association Manager: Dianne Ochoa, Co-Pilots

Catrans SBC Update

Eric Halm, AAa/e's Representative to the Caltrans SBC, reports on new transportation laws that affect small businesses

 

During the Caltrans Statewide Small Business Council meeting that took place on January 17th in San Diego, Caltrans' Department of Procurement and Contracts (DPAC) reported that a new selection process pilot program is being executed on project management contracts in District 8.  The new process endeavors to: 1) be more consistent with the Government Code, 2) help the selection panel make better informed decisions, and 3) incorporate consultant performance on similar scopes of work.  References and phone contact information will now be required with every project example that is submitted in an SOQ and proposal.  For more information, be sure to visit the Department of Procurement and Contracts (DPAC) website, where you can also see the A/E Look Ahead Report and register to get automatic weekly updates and RFQ/RFP postings: Caltrans-opac.ca.gov/aeinfo.htm.   
Also, you can track awarded projects here:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/oe/contractor_info/

Corporate Sponsor Profile: Cannon Design

AAa/e welcomes new corporate sponsor Cannon Design!

 

Cannon Design is ranked among the leading international firms providing healthcare, education, corporate and government planning and design services across a global network of offices.  Recognized for design excellence and technological innovation, the firm's more than 1,000 professionals create environments that are a thoughtful response to the program mission, physical setting and functional purpose, reflecting the spirit and personality of each owner.  The firm is focused on quality - with client satisfaction as the ultimate measurement.     

 

Yong Kang is the Market Leader, West Region, for Cannon Design's Corporate/Commercial market.  He is responsible for the strategy, growth and development of the practice in the West, and building international client relationships.  Recognized as a key thought leader who provides leadership for the strategic planning and design of major projects around the world, Yong contributes to the global expansion and evolution of his clients' businesses.  In addition to AAa/e, Yong is actively affiliated with numerous professional organizations including: the Urban Land Institute LA Chapter, CoreNet SoCal Chapter, and the Southern California Development Forum. 


Please visit the firm's website: http://www.cannondesign.com/

Exciting and Informative Programs for 2013

Mark your calendars to network, socialize, and find out what projects are in the pipeline!   


Sponsors, Speakers, Members Reception
Join us to give a toast to those who have made our luncheons and events a success. 
Free for AAa/e Members!

January 30, 6-8 pm
Athenaeum, Caltech
551 South Hill Street
Pasadena, CA 91106
Healthcare
February 20, Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles
Development
March 20, Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles
Transportation
April 17, Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles
Education
May 15, Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles
Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser
June 19, Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles
NAVFAC
July 17, Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles
Entertainment/Studios
August 21, Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles
Ports
September 18, San Pedro (TBD)
Annual Awards Banquet
October 2, 2014 (TBD)
Public Works
November 20, Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles
Masters Series
TBD

Congratulations!

AAa/e salutes our Members' professional achievements

 

AAa/e congratulates the following Board Members who have landed new positions: Joseph Fong has joined Glumac as Business Development/Marketing Manager, Eric Halm recently joined Bernards as the Business Development Manager, Saik-Choon Poh is now Senior Water Project Manager at HDR Engineering, and Young Nam has joined forces with fellow Board Member Virgil Aoanan at VCA Engineers.   

AAa/e is committed to providing a platform for empowering AEC professionals with professional growth.  If you or any AAa/e member in your firm has been recently promoted in your firm or recognized with a special award or organizational standing, please let us know so that we can announce your achievements to the community.  

AAa/e Membership "Bundle"
AAa/e has launched its  Membership Bundle. Non-members and renewing members will benefit from an AAa/e Membership and 6 events for the price of 5.

General Members - $375
Associate Members - $325

Includes AAa/e Membership and 6 events

Benefits:
  • Savings of $50
  • One-time payment
Click here to sign-up!
 
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES  
Elevate the exposure of your firm, services or product with new AAa/e event sponsorship opportunities, including the 2014 Fall Masters Series, monthly luncheons, 2014 Scholarship Fundraiser, and 2014 Annual Awards Banquet. 


UPDATES, NEWS, AND MORE...  

Caltrans Statewide Small Business Council. Click Here

Metro - TBAC. Click Here

MEMBERS ONLY
The AAa/e has made great strides to increase members benefits and add value to each level of membership. All members enjoy:
  • Discounts to AAa/e Monthly Programs
  • Discounts to AAa/e Special Events and VIP Receptions
  • Access to MBE/SBE Business Opportunities & Program Presentations
  • Individual and Firm Listing in the AAa/e Database
  • Growth Opportunities and Personal Growth.

Read More > 


AAa/e PHOTO GALLERY

THANKS TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS

Glumac






TTG

Saiful Bouquet
AHBE
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California






Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter    View our profile on LinkedIn

AAa/e
213-896-9270 | fax 213-985-7404 | www.aaaesc.org