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Issue: 5 

September 2015   
ACEC Holding CEO Roundtables in October
Firm principals, owners and senior managers 
do not want to miss this opportunity to get together to discuss topics on the minds of industry leaders. Large or small, all firms can benefit from these discussions. ACEC will provide an update of association issues. Legislation, firm profitability, key business practices and other issues that are affecting engineering companies will be discussed. PE's will receive two continuing education credits. 
 
Roundtables will be held as follows:
Friday, October 2 in Plymouth 
Friday, October 23 in Grand Rapids

Roundtables start at 8:00 am, and the cost is $30/person. Non-ACEC firms can attend (at no cost) when invited by a current member firm. Registration is available on the ACEC website. 
ASCE Michigan Section Centennial Celebration
Save The Date!
The ASCE Michigan Section invites you to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its inception. This milestone will be marked by a gala reception and dinner on May 12, 2016 at COBO Center in Detroit. The event precedes the annual Michigan Infrastructure Conference on May 13 at COBO.

Plan to join us! More detailed information will be provided as it becomes available.

ACEC Emerging Leaders Program Kicks Off  
First Session Held in Lansing September 14 & 15 
The new ACEC/Michigan Emerging Leaders Program kicked off its first session in Lansing this month. The Emerging Leaders Program is for individuals committed to developing their leadership abilities. This program imparts specific skills and competencies identified by top ACEC/Michigan principals as critical for leadership success. These highly interactive sessions are taught by experts in the field of business administration and people management in professional services firms.
Scott Heidner, ACEC/Kansas Executive Director, leading the first session.
The 2015 class of emerging leaders will enjoy a dynamic schedule of topics including: Strategic Planning, Governmental Affairs, Risk Management, HR - Recruiting, Retaining and Owning, Leadership, Business Development, Economics of Private Practice, and a Senior Leaders Roundtable. Sessions take place this fall in Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Detroit.
 
If you're interested in having an emerging leader from your firm participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, please visit our website to claim a spot on the waiting list for the 2016 class!
 
The following are participants of the 2015 Emerging Leaders Program:
 
Roland Alix
Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc.
Brian Morley
Great Lakes Engineering Group, LLC
Myndi Bacon
SME
Ryan Musch
Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc.
Aric Bennett
Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.
Kirk Pietila
Tetra Tech
Josh Dudicz
Williams & Works
Kristen Podnar
Wade Trim
James Ensign
Spicer Group, Inc.
Andrew Rossell
AR Engineering
Andrew Hermiz
Harley Ellis Devereaux
Allison Shenberger
Ruby+Associates, Inc.
Timothy Juidici
OHM Advisors
Kyle Seidel
Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc.
Mark Koskinen
AECOM Corporation
Alan Smaka
Wightman & Associates, Inc.
Jason Marquardt
Abonmarche Consultants, Inc.
Karianne Steffen
HNTB Michigan
Matt McGaughey
MAYOTTEgroup Architects
Elaine Venema
Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering, Inc.

MDOT-ACEC Partnering Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) are excited to announce the third annual "MDOT-ACEC Partnership Charter Award." This award recognizes project managers and consultants for their commitment to excellence and promoting an enhanced business partnership based on the ideals set forth in the MDOT/ACEC Partnership Charter Agreement. These ideals include mutual trust, effective communication, continuous improvement, embracing innovation, and timely issues resolution. The award will be judged equally on five important principles:
  • Providing Cost-Effective, High-Quality Services 
  • Partnering in Streamlining Business Practices
  • Engaging in Effective Communication 
  • Commitment to Transparency & Accountability 
  • Promoting Innovation and Sustainability 
Projects accomplished by team effort between MDOT project managers and ACEC consultants are eligible to receive this award. Entries for the 2015 award will be received by the MDOT Performance Excellence Section through November 6, 2015. Projects must be substantially complete and ready for use between November 1, 2013 and October 31, 2015 to be eligible for the 2015 award year. 

The 2015 award will be announced at the MDOT/ACEC Partnering Workshop on February 4, 2016 in Lansing. 

CDM Smith - 2014 Partnership Charter Award Winner
ACEC Michigan Member Firm of the Year Award 
Applications Now Available

Each year, ACEC/M accepts nominations for "ACEC Firm of the Year." The program was established to recognize member firms for their leadership in Professional and Community service. Firms are judged on three important factors:
  • Contributions to the Success of ACEC/Michigan
  • Advancement of the Consulting Design Profession
  • Community Involvement
A small firm (1-30 employees) and a large firm (>30 employees) are eligible to receive this award. The winning firm(s) will be announced at the ACEC/Michigan Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards program on February 27, 2016 date at Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek. The deadline for submissions is November 24, 2015.


ASCE Michigan Section Announces 2015-2016 Board of Directors 
2015-2016 Term to Run October 1, 2015-September 30, 2016
The ASCE Michigan Section is pleased to announce the following individuals who will be serving on the Board of Directors for the 2015-2016 term:

Therese R. Kline, PE (President)
Therese graduated from Michigan State University with a BS Degree in Civil Engineering in 2001. She has worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation as a Bridge Design, Specialty Structures and Flexible Pipe Specialist since 2002. She is a Bridge Scour Mitigation Project Manager. 

Active in ASCE since 1999, Therese is the current Director and Past President for the Lansing-Jackson Branch of the ASCE Michigan Section, and was an ASCE Steel Bridge competition judge for four years.

Steven Waalkes, PE (President-Elect)
Steve graduated from Calvin College in 1998 with a BS Degree in Engineering and from the University of Texas (Austin) with an MS Degree in Civil Engineering in 2000. He has worked for the concrete industry since 2000 and in Michigan since 2006. His primary role with the Michigan Concrete Association is to assist owners, engineers, inspectors, and contractors with the design, specification, and construction of concrete pavements and other concrete-related products.

Steve is active with the Western Michigan Branch of ASCE, having served as the 2011-12 President.

Melinda (Myndi) L. Bacon, PE (Vice President)
Myndi obtained her BS Degree in Geological - Environmental Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1996, and her MS Degree in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University in 1999. She has been with SME since 1996 and is a senior project engineer.
 
Myndi served as the 2008-10 Southwest Michigan ASCE Branch President and filled the board positions of Vice President and Treasurer prior to being the branch President.

Christopher Owen, PE (Treasurer)
Chris graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Civil Engineering. He is employed by Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. as the Engineered Products Manager in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Ontario.
 
Currently, he serves on the APWA Downriver Branch Board and the MDOT Joint Pipe Operations Committee. He is a past member of the MITA Future Leaders Program. 

Jacob A. Rushlow, PE (Secretary)
Jacob graduated from the University of Toledo with a BS Degree in Civil Engineering in 2001. He is a Project Manager at OHM Advisors in Livonia and has been with OHM since 2002.  

Jacob has been actively involved with ASCE Southeastern Michigan Branch since 2002. He served in various ASCE leadership roles including Southeast Branch President in 2012, Southeast Branch Executive Board from 2009-2011, Director 2007-2008, and Committee on Younger Members (CYM) president 2006-2007. 
2015 MSPE & NSPE Fellows Inducted  
At the Annual Meeting in May, MSPE inducted 3 new members to the Assembly of Fellows:
     Richard G, Cottrell, PE - Jackson Chapter
     Nancy M. McClain, PE - Detroit Metro Chapter
     Martha F. Thompson, PE - Southeastern Chapter

In addition, both Nancy and Martha were also inducted as NSPE Fellows and were presented with their recognition plaques by NSPE President-Elect Tim Austin, PE, FNSPE.
 

 
2015 - 2016 MSPE Officers
The Michigan Society of Professional Engineers is proud to report that the following officers have been elected to serve for 2015-2016:
  
Executive Committee
 
N. Robert Uddin, PE (President)
Bob is a past MSPE Board Member, Mid-Michigan Region Vice President, and Jackson Chapter President.  Bob is an Electrical Engineer for Commonwealth Associates in Jackson.

Michael Schwartz, PE (President-Elect)
Mike is a civil engineer for Prein&Newhof in their Kalamazoo office and has served the Southwestern chapter as  President, Secretary, and Treasurer.  Mike was honored as MSPE's Young Engineer of the Year in 2007.
 
Donald Heck, PE (Past-President)
Don is pleased to have completed his 2nd term as MSPE President.  He will also be serving as the Michigan representative to the NSPE House of Delegates for 2015-2017.  Don is the President of Wolverine Engineers and Surveyors, Inc. in Mason.

Kurt LaFrance, PE (Treasurer)
Kurt is an Electrical Engineer for Consumers Energy in Jackson. He has served the Jackson Chapter in many roles, from Director to President.  Kurt is also active as a Director for the Grand River Environmental Action Team.

Robert Wheeler, PE (Secretary)
Rob is an active member of the Jackson Chapter, also serving as their MATHCOUNTS Coordinator.  He is a Engineering Manager for GAI Consultants in Jackson.

Regional Vice Presidents
 
Thumb Region  - Amanda Hemeyer, PE, ROWE PSC, Flint
At-Large Members & Northern Chapter - Robert Green, PE, MDOT Bay Region Office
Eastern Region - Pam Lemme, PE, Royal Oak
Mid-Michigan Region - Fernando Arze-Peredo, PE, Commonwealth Associates, Jackson
Western Region - Scott Conners, PE, City of Walker
 
Practice Division Presidents
 
Professional Engineers in Government  - Patrick Lewis, PE, City of Monroe
Professional Engineers in Industry - Robert Curtis, PE, General Dynamics, Detroit
Professional Engineers in Private Practice - Fritz Klingler, PE, FK Engineering Associates, Troy 
ACEC Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Competition Update  
ACEC/Michigan has received Intents to Enter for 32 engineering & 4 surveying projects for the 2016 Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Competition. Projects from across the state compete each year for the coveted "Eminent Conceptor" Award. In early November, a panel of judges will evaluate the projects based on innovation, complexity, client satisfaction and future value to the profession.
 
Award recipients will be recognized on February 27, 2016 during the awards gala, which will be held at Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek.


 
ACEC to Host Bridge Class in October
Scheduled for October 19 - 30, 2015, ACEC/Michigan is sponsoring the NHI 10-Day Training Course #130055 entitled, "Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges." Due to recent changes in Federal Regulations, this training is becoming a must in order to be qualified to inspect local and state bridges. Class size is limited to 30 attendees and there are currently 2 slots still available.

Special Prerequisites: Registrants MUST have completed and passed (70%) one of the following prerequisites within two years of the course start date - and present a course completion certificate - bearing their name - on day one of the course: 
  • 130054 Engineering Concepts for Bridge Inspectors
  • 130101 Introduction to Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges
  • 130101a Prerequisite Assessment for Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges
Contact Cindy Schmitz for registration information ([email protected]).
ACEC Welcomes New Members
ACEC is excited to announce the following
new member firms:
ASCE Michigan Northwest Branch Relaunched
The Northwestern Branch is Alive and Kicking!
The Michigan Section Northwestern Branch has recently been relaunched after several years of inactivity. The new branch leadership includes:
  • Jim Morrison, President; 
  • Bryan Lindfors, Jamie Johnson, Dave Boyle, and Jason Fate, Co-Vice Presidents;
  • Nils Lindwall, Secretary; 
  • Lucas Porath, Treasurer; and 
  • Jason Bodell, Communications.
The branch leadership committee is currently determining how to best serve the area members with opportunities for networking and professional development.

An inaugural dinner meeting is being planned for November 12, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Charlevoix Public Library. The meeting will include a presentation entitled, "Use of Precast Modular Block Retaining Walls in Challenging Transportation and Public Infrastructure Projects" by Bryan Lindfors, PE of Redi-Rock International, as well as a short business meeting and opportunity to connect with engineers.  More informaton on the event will be available at a later date.
ACEC Scholarships Available
ACEC/Michigan is planning to award $10,000+ to engineering and surveying students enrolled in an ABET accredited College or University. Applications are now available on the ACEC/M website, and are due to ACEC by December 18, 2015. Applicants will be judged on a written essay, their work experience, employer/faculty recommendations, community involvement and their GPA.
QBS Seeking Facilitator

The Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) Coalition is seeking a person with a public administration background to be a spokesperson and facilitator for the QBS Program. Interested candidates should have a passion for value-based decisions and the desire to travel throughout Michigan.

The QBS Coalition is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to providing public agencies/private entities with information about how to develop procurement policies and procedures for selecting design professionals, which lead to quality, cost-effective projects. A key element of the QBS educational program is the "facilitator."

The facilitator will be working part-time, will have a flexible schedule (averaging 10-20 hours/month), and can work from a home office. Experience as a city manager, purchasing director, community development director or public works director is preferred.

Facilitator activities and responsibilities include: 

  • Presenting QBS principles to representatives from cities, counties, road commissions, townships, school systems and other public & private entities.
  • Speaking at professional association conferences.
  • Assisting in creation of draft Requests for Qualifications (RFQ's).
  • Preparing a plan of activity and maintaining a database of QBS contacts.
  • Communicating with and preparing monthly activity reports for QBS directors and supporting organizations.
  • Making proactive contacts with governmental units & private entities.

Facilitator will work as an independent consultant and will be compensated at $40/hour for hours worked. Facilitator expenses will be paid by QBS. This position will remain open until filled.

For immediate consideration, please submit a letter of interest and resume to: QBS Coalition, 215 N. Walnut, Lansing, MI 48933 or send via e-mail to the QBS office at [email protected]. For questions, please call 517.332.2066. 

ACEC Social Media
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Did you know that ACEC is active on social media sites? Please like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on LinkedIn to stay informed! 

 


 


 

2015-2016 SAVE THE DATES
Mark Your Calendar!
October 2, 2015: ACEC CEO Roundtable - Plymouth
October 23, 2015: ACEC CEO Roundtable - Grand Rapids
October 19-30, 2015: NHI 10-Day Bridge Course - Lansing
February 4, 2016: MDOT-ACEC Partnering Workshop - Lansing 
February 27, 2016: ACEC Engineering & Surveying Excellence Gala - Battle Creek
March 16, 2016: AESLC Legislative Day - Lansing
May 12, 2016: ASCE Michigan Section Centennial Celebration Gala - Detroit
May 13, 2016: Michigan Infrastructure Conference - Detroit 

  
  
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In This Issue
ACEC CEO Roundtables
ASCE Centennial Celebration
ACEC Emerging Leaders Program Update
MDOT-ACEC Partnering Award
ACEC Firm of the Year Award
New MSPE Fellows
MSPE 2015-16 Officers
Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards
ACEC Bridge Class
ACEC Welcomes New Members
ASCE Michigan Northwest Branch
ACEC Scholarships
QBS Seeking Facilitator
ACEC Social Media
Save the Dates
Engineering Center

 


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Michigan
 Engineering Center
Questions about engineering?
Please contact:

 

Ron Brenke, PE 

Executive Director

ACEC & ASCE

 517-332-2066

Nancy McClain, PE
Executive Director  
MSPE
517-487-9388