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Don't Miss The State of the Union: LA District USACE!
Thursday, July 17, 2014, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, DoubleTree Hotel, 120 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 
Come mingle with USACE Commander and District Engineer COL Kimberly M. Collotonto learn about The State of Union for the Los Angeles District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. At our luncheon, Col Colloton will provide an overview of upcoming infrastructure projects for "The Four Rs": Road, Railways, Runways, and River!You will learn about the USACE's projected outlook for funding, and the future contracting opportunities for the AEC community.
We thank the following sponsor for their generous support: VCA Engineers.
To register or sponsor, click here.
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AAa/e's 4th Masters Series a Hit!
Women at the Top provide unique perspectives on "Advancing your Career"
On June 19th, AAa/e presented its fourth Masters Series: Advancing Your Career: A Perspective from Women at the Top. 76 attendees gathered in the Alhambra Room at LA County Department of Public Works and gained inspiration from Susan Rowghani, LADWP Business Unit Director of Water Engineering and Technical Services; Laurie Stone, USC Real Estate & Asset Management Associate Sr. Vice President, and Lindy Lee, Metro's Deputy CEO. In a very frank and informal manner, each of these amazing women shared the opportunities they encountered, key decisions they made, actions they took, and challenges they overcame during the course of their careers to become the top AEC leaders they are today.
When asked about valuable lessons learned and memorable quotes, some of our attendees answered:
"Take advantage of the opportunities presented before you."
"When considering candidates for a new job or promotion, they each said they would pick whomever they thought would do a better job, no matter what gender, so . . . do the best job you possibly can!"
"Leadership is enabling others to act!"
"As a career focused young woman, it was delightful to hear from ambitious individuals who didn't let the idea of a male dominated society interfere with their drive for success."
"I left the event feeling inspired, especially seeing so many other young women closer to my age in attendance."
"I really liked the idea of self-evaluating by actually sitting down and making a list of the 'the good, the bad and the ugly' . . . make a list, know what you are, and build on that."
"Embrace your weirdness!"
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: HDR, Penta, and VCA Engineers. We would also like to thank LA County's Vincent Yu for hosting our event for us at DPW. Thanks to AAa/e board members Eric Halm, Sonnet Hui, and Kimberly Tran, and our Association Manager Dianne Ochoa for organizing such an outstanding and well-attended event.
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Call for Board Member Nominations
Nominate a fellow member to serve on the AAa/e Board of Directors by July 31st!
As a current AAa/e member, you have the opportunity to shape the future of our organization by electing our new Board of Directors and shaping the future of the AAa/e. This year, there are 17 open positions for the 2015-2016 Board term. Electing new board members provides for a constant revitalization of our leadership with a finite number of years to commit their services. It also provides you the opportunity to assure that Board members are responsive to the mandates of our members.
We are now accepting board nominations, which must be proposed by another member in good standing. Nominees should be qualified and be available to serve on the Board in an active, volunteer capacity, and attend monthly evening board meetings. AAa/e's future depends upon the active participation of our members and the forward thinking leadership of the Board of Directors. The last day to accept nominations to the board is July 31st. We look forward to receiving your nominations! Click Here for Nomination Form.
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Register before July 31 for the "Early Bird' rates!
Commander Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific Rear Admiral Bret J. Muilenberg invited as Keynote Speaker
To register or sponsor, click here.
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Corporate Sponsor Profile: Thornton Tomasetti
AAa/e appreciates the ongoing support of Thornton Tomasetti!
 Founded in 1956, Thornton Tomasetti provides engineering design, investigation and analysis services to clients worldwide on projects of every size and level of complexity. They address the full life cycle of structures through six integrated practices in: Building Structure, Building Skin, Building Performance, Construction Support Services, Property Loss Consulting and Building Sustainability. Today Thornton Tomasetti is an 800-person organization of engineers, architects and other professionals collaborating from offices across the United States and in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
Albert Chen, PE, SE is an Associate Principal with Thornton Tomasetti. He has more than 30 years of experience in the design of more than 20 million square feet of structures for diverse marketing sectors, including mixed-use projects, commercial, retail, parking, healthcare, education and hospitality. Albert's portfolio includes the design of new buildings as well as structural tenant improvements, investigations, and seismic upgrades for existing structures. His recent work includes project management for the Transbay Transit Center in San Francisco and the National Palace Museum in Taiwan as well as QA/QC for Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, which will be China's tallest building when completed.
Please visit the firm's website: http://www.thorntontomasetti.com/
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CHSR Project - AAa/e's BAC Rep Update, July 2014
Linden Nishinaga reports the latest on the California High Speed Rail Projects
- The Business Advisory Council's (BAC) Professional Services Committee (PSC) has long sought the separation of professional services work from construction work regarding the Authority's established 30%/10%/3% SBE/DBE/DVBE goals for Project design-build contracts. This split out would apparently give small business (SB) design firms (and their professionals) better assurances of fair project opportunities by preventing prime contractors' from back-loading the said requirements away from design and onto construction work. The PSC is now considering bringing this issue directly to the CHSRA Board of Directors.
- Linden is drafting a new BAC request item for having the Authority send timely official notices to all SB firms identified in the winning proposals of Project tenders. Linden is working with current PSC Chair Arvin Chaudhari who represents the American Council of Engineering Companies.
- At the BAC Meeting of June 19, 2014, the Authority announced it has acquired a new reliable source of funding as some of the State's environmental greenhouse gas emissions pollution cap and trade revenues, which can provide up to $250 million per year for the Project.
- Authority provided copies of a CP-1 SB Utilization Summary Report through May 2014, which lists the 30 small business subcontractors and 11 SB vendors reportedly utilized.
- For CP-2/3, two of the five short listed design-build bidders have dropped out leaving three firms still in the running.
- RFP No. 14-14 for Right of Way Engineering Services for CP-2/3 has been issued by the Authority in Bid Sync.
- The next BAC Meeting will be held on August 21, 2014 in Sacramento.
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Catrans SBC Update
DBE Supportive Services Contract Award Scheduled for July
The purpose of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services program is to contribute to the growth and eventual self-sufficiency of certified DBE firms and increase the number of active federal-aid highway construction contracts for them. The goal is to help develop and improve immediate and long-term business management skills and increase DBE firms' capacity for finance, accounting, and business development. The scope of work includes completion of a comprehensive needs assessment for each participating DBE firm to determine the individualized technical training required to increase their professional capacities.
The DBE Supportive Services RFP was issued in April, proposals were reviewed, and an award is expected in July 2014. For any certified DBE firms who wish to participate in this program, please visit the Caltrans Office of Business & Economic Opportunity (OBEO) website at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep/, or send an email to business_support_unit@dot.ca.gov.
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/
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Congratulations!
AAa/e salutes our Members' professional achievements
AAa/e congratulates Board Member Linden Nishinaga, who was re-elected in July 2014 by his fellow Torrance Water Commissioners as Chair of the Commission. Linden's new term as Chair will extend another year until June 2015.
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.
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Summer Internship Opportunities
AAa/e is currently posting Summer Internship opportunities. If your firm has a position open for a summer internship, click here to email your open position. |
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!
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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.
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UPDATES, NEWS, AND MORE...
Caltrans Statewide Small Business Council. 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 >
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AAa/e PHOTO GALLERY |
THANKS TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS
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