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

It's the Ports Summit!!
Thursday, August 21, 2014, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, DoubleTree Hotel, 120 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, CA  90012
  

Come mingle with POLA Chief Harbor Engineer Tony Gioiello; Port of Long Beach Chief Harbor Engineer Sean Gamette; Port of San Diego Chief Engineer Ernie Medina; and Port of Hueneme Director of Engineering Chris Birkelo as they discuss their current and upcoming projects for Southern California's four major ports. The strategic position of our region combined with increasing demands of the global economy means constant improvements, expansions, and maintenance to these major trading gateways. Don't miss out on learning, first hand, about the upcoming projects for the AEC industry and your firm!

       

We thank the following sponsors for their generous support: BergerABAM; EarthMechanics, Inc.; and GlumacMoffat & Nichol, SICK, and Sika.

 

On Site Registration Available.   


AAa/e Approves Strategic Plan!
AAa/e President Albert Leung reports on 15-year road map
I am excited to report to you that the AAa/e Board of Directors approved the Asian American Architects and Engineers Association Strategic Plan at the August Board Meeting. This 15-year plan serves as a road map to guide and grow the Association in the years to come, setting the stage for future AAa/e Boards to implement the organization's strategic initiatives.

 

In 2012, at the urging of longtime AAa/e Advisor, Mr. Joel Bennett, AAa/e started considering the development of a Strategic Plan to guide the organization into the future.  Through a series of informal and formal meetings, a Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) was formed with Board Advisors and past and present Board Presidents.  Current Board Members actively participated in the plan's development. After almost two years of multiple working and review sessions, the plan was approved by the Board on August 5, 2014. 

 

I am pleased to report that the organization is strong and that the Board of Directors has accomplished a great deal well into the second half of 2014.  Aside from finalization of the Strategic Plan, we have hosted many successful luncheon programs, as well as The Master Series and Scholarship fundraiser. The Annual Awards Banquet planning is progressing nicely.  I would like to extend my gratitude to the AAa/e membership, board members, sponsors and supporters for your all of your contribution to our successes.


Vote for your AAa/e Board!
Three New Candidates Running for Board of Directors 2015-17 

AAa/e's future success depends upon the active participation of our members and the forward-thinking leadership. As a current AAa/e member, you can shape the future of our organization by electing our new Board of Directors, which constantly revitalizes our leadership with a finite number of years during which to commit their services. It also provides you the opportunity to assure that Board members are responsive to the mandates of our membership.

 

This year, in addition to several incumbent Board Members, we have three new candidates in the pool. Ballots will be sent out in the near future, which must be cast by the evening of the Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, October 2, 2014. We look forward to receiving your votes! 

Member can get detailed information about the process, by clicking here.

Hurry and register, seats are going fast!   

 

To register or sponsor, click here. 

 

 


24 Scholarship Applicants to Compete  

AAa/e Foundation set to award $19,500 in scholarships!

The AAa/e Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received 24 scholarship applications from the following schools: Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly SLO, Cal State LA, Cal State LB, Caltech, Harvard, Newschool, Sci-Arc, UCLA, USC, Woodbury, and University High School.  A total of $19,500 will be divided up into scholarships in the following categories: High School, undergraduate, Post Graduate, Special Award, and University Program.  Scholarship recipients will be presented at the Awards Banquet on October 2.  Best of luck to all!  

 


The State of the Union: LA District USACE
Luncheon guests learn about the "The Four Rs"    

On Thursday, July 17, AAa/e members and their guests mingled with USACE Commander and District Engineer COL Kimberly M. Colloton at this intimate luncheon at the DoubleTree Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.  Attendees got an exclusive, first-hand understanding of upcoming infrastructure projects for Los Angeles District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.  COL Colloton explained the USACE's projected outlook for funding, and the future AEC contracting opportunities for road, railways, runways, and river projects.   

 

We thank the following VCA Engineers, Inc., for its generous sponsorship support!  


Catrans SBC Update
Statewide Meeting to be held in Los Angeles' District 7!   
Mark your calendars - the Statewide Small Business Council (SBC) will be meeting at Los Angeles' District 7 Headquarters in September.  The Professional Services Committee will meet on Thursday, September 18, from 3-5 pm, and the Statewide Council will meet on Friday, September 19, from 8:30 am - 12 noon.  The address is: 100 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.  The public is invited to attend all meetings.  Room numbers will be posted soon. 

At the July 2014 Professional Services meeting in Sacramento, the Professional Services Committee conducted a working session to improve the SBE/DBE/DVBE Utilization Tracking Report.  The committee based their recommendations on tracking reports that are already used by local Caltrans Districts 4 and 11 (Oakland and San Diego).  The goal is to capture and present key statistical information to ensure that Small, Disadvantaged, and Disabled Veteran-owned businesses are actually being awarded contracts based on the utilization goals that prime contractors have committed during the procurement process.  The committee endeavors to have Caltrans implement this new report on a statewide level by the start of 2015.

 

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/

 


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!
 
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









 





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