Podcasts about acec

In this episode, industry veteran Bill Long, PE, LEED AP, and SMPS Fellow, shares his extensive insights on the strategic role of business development (BD) and marketing in AEC. He discusses how technical professionals and marketers can effectively collaborate throughout the client acquisition process, emphasizing the importance of connecting, meeting, and following up with clients to build relationships and establish trust. Bill Long, PE, LEED AP, FSMPS Principal | WRL Consultants Bill is an experienced member of the design and construction community where he has been active for over forty years. During that time, Bill has held multiple positions at both design and construction firms including Principal, Vice President, Project Executive, Director of Business Development, Project Manager, and Project Engineer. An active member of the AEC community, Bill has been a featured speaker at multiple industry presentations and presented at regional and national functions for AIA, ACEC, AGC, CMAA, ASLA, SDA, NFMT, ASC, CSI, ISPE, and SMPS. Bill has authored numerous articles for various building industry publications and was the lead author and researcher for the Fellows Report published by the SMPS Foundation. He also authored a White Paper for the Foundation entitled International Success in the A/E/C World – Benchmarks and Best Practices. Bill is a Fellow in SMPS and a Past-Trustee and Past-President of the SMPS Foundation. Links: https://wrlconsultants.com/ Bill's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamrlong/

Buscant el centre de gravetat permanent. Crítica teatral de l'obra «Alícia en un món real». Adaptació teatral i dramatúrgia: Isabel Franc i Teresa Urroz. A partir del còmic d'Isabel Franc (text) i Susanna Martín (il·lustracions). Intèrprets: Roser Batalla, Joan Bentallé, Susana Egea, Blanca Pàmpols, Sílvia Sabaté i Mireia Tejero. Música en escena i espai sonor: Mireia Tejero, Rai Jiménez. Titellaire: Joan Bentallé. Moviment escènic: Viviane Calvitti. Escenografia: Meritxell Muñoz López. Ajudant d’escenografia: Sergi Corbera Gaju. Construcció d'escenografia: Albert Ventura. Il·luminació i coordinació tècnica: Sergi Cerdan Aguado. Disseny de so: Carles Bernal i Iker Rañé. Construcció del titella: Martí Doy. Vestuari: Mariel Soria. Confecció de vestuari: Goretti Puente. Caracterització: Fafá Franco. Assessorament per a la dramatúrgia escènica: Marta Momblant. Fotografia i disseny gràfic: Lola Puyalto, Chus Gómez. Videocreació: Carme Puche. Equips tècnics i de gestió de la companyia: Equip d’audiovisuals: Sergio Álvarez-Napagao, Gabriela Sánchez Momblant, Javier Rueda, Albert Alemany, Fatima Kamaso Navarro, Nuna Ibernón. Direcció de producció: Raül Perales, Xavier Granada. Producció executiva: Raül Perales, Alba Gómez Celdrán. Distribució: Àngels Nogué, Helena Barragán - Magrana Escena. Una coproducció de Cia. La Briana, Magrana Escena, Raül Perale i Teatre Nacional de Catalunya. Amb el suport de Institut Català d’Empreses Culturals – Generalitat de Catalunya i la Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera. Amb la col·laboració de Fabra i Coats – Fàbrica de creació i Grifols SA. Agraïments: Espai Actua, Raúl Beldarrain Espina, ACEC, AISGE, ICO, Lourdes Guanter, Marqués Damaret, Àngels Palomar, Sílvia Pimienta, Scuba Stunt Services – InExtremis: Urtus Albert Rovira, Eva Ponce i Lucía Osorio, Amanda Sans Pantling i Jordi Ravascall Madrid. Equips tècnics i de gestió del TNC. Ajudanta de direcció: Ariadna Martí. Direcció: Teresa Urroz. Sala Tallers, Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, 8 maig 2025. Veu: Andreu Sotorra. Música: Centro di gravità permanente. Interpretació: Franco Battiato. Composició: Franco Battiato i Giusto Pio. Àlbum: Correnti Gravitazionali, 2022.

Jonathan Curry, executive director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota, talks to F&C reporter Brian Johnson. Curry talks about attracting and retaining works as well as inspiring future generations of engineers.

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In this enlightening episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, we are joined by Dan Larson, the incoming chair-elect-elect of the American Council of Engineering Companies. Larson shares insights into his journey from regional leadership to the national stage, highlighting the experiences that have prepared him for this pivotal role. As he prepares to take the helm, Larson outlines his vision for ACEC's growth, with a focus on advocacy, membership expansion, and workforce development. He emphasizes the importance of aligning national and local strategies to enhance the value proposition for member firms and to attract new talent to the engineering profession. Discover Larson's strategic plans to strengthen the organization's communication, broaden its membership base, and address key industry challenges. Tune in to learn how he plans to foster an environment that attracts and retains top-tier engineering professionals, ensuring a bright future for ACEC.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies! In this episode, join us as we introduce the new Executive Committee volunteer leaders, including Vice Chair Kurt Yoshii from California. Kurt shares his journey through various leadership roles within ACEC and discusses the importance of both local and national experiences in shaping the future of engineering. Discover the significance of coalition membership, particularly for geo professionals, and how these groups foster collaboration and problem-solving across the industry. Kurt also reflects on the increasing challenges posed by frequent wildfires in California and the engineering solutions that aim to make infrastructure more resilient. Finally, get insights into Kurt's goals as he steps into his new role on the Executive Committee and his aspirations for driving ACEC's strategic direction forward.

Welcome to this week's episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, where we introduce our newest XCOM member and Vice Chair, Andy McCune. Andy shares his impressive journey from a graduate engineer to CEO of Wade Trim, a Detroit-based engineering firm, and his longstanding involvement with ACEC. Join us as Andy discusses his vision for empowering small firms within the industry and the crucial role ACEC has played in his career. Discover how he plans to use his new position to provide leadership development opportunities and advocate for the industry at large, while also enhancing the visibility of engineering in communities and attracting future talent.

Join us in this engaging episode of the American Council of Engineering Companies podcast, where we introduce our new class of vice chairs and members of the executive committee. Orhan Ulger, a seasoned professional in the engineering community, shares his journey within ACEC, detailing his extensive involvement and contributions to the organization's growth and success. Explore the significant advancements in workforce development, including the establishment of a workforce consortium and its impact on addressing the shortage of engineers. Orhan discusses the importance of coalitions in solving industry challenges and the benefits of initiatives like the roadshow that aim to rekindle public interest in engineering. Additionally, Orhan delves into the value of diversity within the industry and its correlation to productivity and innovation. Learn about the strategic goals for the upcoming term and how diversified teams contribute to improved outcomes. Tune in to discover the personal insights and aspirations of ACEC's leadership as they steer the organization towards future success.

In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, we delve into the insightful research from the ACEC Research Institute. We explore how data collected from industry leaders has evolved into a significant tool for forecasting economic trends. Join us as we speak with Joe Bates about groundbreaking findings that position sentiment within the engineering industry as a leading indicator of GDP and housing market trends. Learn how this data not only reflects current conditions but also predicts future economic shifts, equipping businesses and policymakers with critical foresight.

Send us a textHave you ever noticed how much we rely on the infrastructure that we have in our cities and rural areas?  We all drive on roads, cross bridges, use water, and spend time in public buildings.  Civil engineers play a major role in helping to design and build the infrastructure we need to support the quality of life we have become accustomed to in today's society.In this episode we sit down with Nancy Inglis, who has close to thirty years of experience working as a civil engineer in a variety of roles.  She has been involved in transportation, roadway, and water projects, including several multi-discipline complex mega-projects.  Nancy is currently a Divisional Manager at Associated Engineering.  In this conversation she talks to us about her career, her volunteer work with the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC), and she offers advice to young people thinking about engineering as a career.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from the ACEC! In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of embedded carbon in the built environment with Kelly Roberts, Principal and Managing Director of the Atlanta Structures Group for Walter P. Moore. Roberts provides insights from their latest report, shedding light on how the engineering industry can address carbon reduction, focusing on sustainability and embodied carbon. From discussing material choices like low-carbon concrete and mass timber to exploring policy pathways, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating sustainable structures while reducing carbon emissions.

Nous sommes en 1960, à Charleroi. Robert Dussart, responsable local du Parti communiste belge, le PCB, est élu au Comité central. Cette année-là, l'ambiance est à l'austérité, avec le programme prévu par la Loi unique décidée par le gouvernement. Les Belges sont en colère. La veille des discussions au Parlement, la direction de la FGTB hésite toujours à déclarer la grève générale. Robert Dussart, contre l'avis de sa hiérarchie, va mobiliser les ACEC de Charleroi et déclencher, in fine, ce qu'on appellera la « grève du siècle ». Moins d'une vingtaine d'années plus tard, en 1979, il revendique la semaine de 36 heures. Les travailleurs se mettent en grève et décrochent la victoire. Dussart déclarera à la presse : « Le travail syndical, ce n'est pas de faire de la propagande abstraite, c'est d'essayer d'entraîner, dans l'adhésion conjuguée travailleurs-délégués, vers des objectifs, même s'ils sont énormes. Mon message, c'est qu'il faut parler aux travailleurs, les convaincre, cibler et clarifier les objectifs, savoir où frapper fort, faire comprendre jusqu'où il faut aller. Quand les gens l'ont compris, ils sont prêts pour faire des grèves, comme celles de 32, 60-61 ou 79. » Robert Dussart est-il représentatif du syndicaliste communiste des Trente Glorieuses ? Peut-on en tirer un portrait type, de l'Allemagne à la France, en passant par l'Italie, le Portugal, l'Espagne ou l'Ecosse : bref en parcourant l'Europe de l'Ouest ? Avec nous : Adrian Thomas, Historien du syndicalisme, associé au CArCoB (centre des archives du communisme en Belgique)". Sujets traités : Robert Dussart, communiste, loi, gouvernement, grève, siècle, travailleurs, syndicat, Trente Glorieuses , Merci pour votre écoute Un Jour dans l'Histoire, c'est également en direct tous les jours de la semaine de 13h15 à 14h30 sur www.rtbf.be/lapremiere Retrouvez tous les épisodes d'Un Jour dans l'Histoire sur notre plateforme Auvio.be :https://auvio.rtbf.be/emission/5936 Intéressés par l'histoire ? Vous pourriez également aimer nos autres podcasts : L'Histoire Continue: https://audmns.com/kSbpELwL'heure H : https://audmns.com/YagLLiKEt sa version à écouter en famille : La Mini Heure H https://audmns.com/YagLLiKAinsi que nos séries historiques :Chili, le Pays de mes Histoires : https://audmns.com/XHbnevhD-Day : https://audmns.com/JWRdPYIJoséphine Baker : https://audmns.com/wCfhoEwLa folle histoire de l'aviation : https://audmns.com/xAWjyWCLes Jeux Olympiques, l'étonnant miroir de notre Histoire : https://audmns.com/ZEIihzZMarguerite, la Voix d'une Résistante : https://audmns.com/zFDehnENapoléon, le crépuscule de l'Aigle : https://audmns.com/DcdnIUnUn Jour dans le Sport : https://audmns.com/xXlkHMHSous le sable des Pyramides : https://audmns.com/rXfVppvN'oubliez pas de vous y abonner pour ne rien manquer.Et si vous avez apprécié ce podcast, n'hésitez pas à nous donner des étoiles ou des commentaires, cela nous aide à le faire connaître plus largement.

Welcome to the latest episode of Engineering Influence, a podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we are joined by Jon Gray, Principal at Rockport Analytics, to discuss the recently published economic forecast for the engineering industry, specifically tailored for 2024. John provides insightful analysis into the macroeconomic impact of the engineering design services industry on the U.S. economy, presenting a comprehensive overview of growth, employment trends, and wage projections. With data collected over five years, this report offers valuable trend indicators that are shaping the industry's present and future. The discussion also delves into the effects of federal spending, notably from acts like the IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act, which continue to drive notable growth in infrastructure and other key sectors. Additionally, John and Jeff examine the geographic shifts in industry growth, highlighting states like North Carolina and Florida, and explore the market sectors that are thriving versus those facing challenges. Addressing the workforce and skills gap, Jon explains how labor shortages are impacting project delivery and industry profitability. As firms navigate these challenges, strategic insights provided in this episode are indispensable for industry leaders and policymakers alike. Don't miss this engaging episode that combines economic theory with real-world application, guiding the engineering sector through uncertain times towards a promising future.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, where we delve into the newly released ACEC Research Institute 2024 Quarter 4 Engineering Business Sentiment Survey. This quarterly survey offers a comprehensive look at current and future business conditions within the engineering industry by interviewing and surveying CEOs across the sector. In this episode, host Jeff is joined by Joe Bates, the researcher behind the survey, as they explore the positive sentiments surrounding the U.S. economy, the industry, and firm finances. Despite a slight moderation, the overall sentiment remains strong, buoyed by the bipartisan infrastructure law and ongoing projects reaching the construction phase. A major challenge discussed is the workforce shortage, with many firms turning down profitable work due to staffing issues. Joe and Jeff address the significant impact of this shortage and economic and political uncertainties on the industry's future outlook. The episode also highlights sectoral winners and losers, with government-supported areas like infrastructure and manufacturing thriving, while commercial real estate struggles. The booming data center market is also discussed, showcasing its continuous growth. Listeners are encouraged to explore the full report for deeper insights and historical trends and stay tuned for upcoming analyses on economic indicators and future forecasts. The episode concludes with a nod to the ongoing work of the ACEC Research Institute in providing valuable data and insights for the engineering community.

In this episode of Engineering Influenced by the American Council of Engineering Companies, Shreya, the Marketing & Communications Coordinator at ACEC, welcomes Bret Tushaus, VP of Product Management from Deltek. Together, they explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the engineering industry and discuss how Deltek is leveraging AI to enhance project management and decision-making. Bret delves into the importance of using AI to turn rich project data into actionable insights, emphasizing the significance of data privacy and security. He shares how Deltek's solutions are designed to empower project managers with the tools they need to drive successful project outcomes. As the conversation progresses, Bret offers advice on how firms can capitalize on existing tools and technologies, making digital transformation an accessible journey rather than an overwhelming challenge. He also envisions the future of AI with the rise of "agents" that can automate tasks and workflows, further enhancing efficiency and productivity. Listeners are encouraged to explore Deltek's offerings and resources, including their website, blog, and town halls, to stay informed about the latest advancements in AI-driven solutions.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast from ACEC, broadcasting from our Fall Conference 2024, proudly sponsored by Bentley. In this episode, we spotlight the City of San Diego, the distinguished winners of the Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) award. Join us as we delve into a conversation with Claudia Barca, Director of Purchasing and Contracting, and Elif Chetting, Acting Director with Engineering Capital Projects, as they share insights on San Diego's exemplary QBS implementation. Discover how San Diego has set a national benchmark by prioritizing qualifications over price in architectural and engineering contracts. Learn about the meticulous process that ensures the selection of top-tier professionals, fostering successful project outcomes that benefit both the city and its citizens. Claudia and Elif provide an in-depth look at the criteria considered during the selection process, emphasizing technical expertise, team capabilities, and an understanding of local needs. Explore the benefits of QBS, from fostering industry partnerships to enhancing community projects, and understand the passion driving public service delivery in San Diego. The episode also highlights opportunities for small local businesses to collaborate on significant projects, contributing to community development and showcasing their capabilities. Tune in to hear how San Diego's commitment to quality-based selection continues to make a positive impact on the city's infrastructure and its residents. Celebrate the success stories and the rewarding experience of contributing to the community's growth and well-being.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, recorded live at the ACEC 2024 Fall Conference, proudly sponsored by Bentley. In this captivating episode, we are honored to host Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, a keynote speaker whose journey from the deep South to becoming a renowned physicist is truly inspirational. Dr. Oluseyi shares his remarkable life story, growing up in challenging environments with limited academic role models, yet fueled by a passion for reading instilled by his mother. Despite early struggles, including bouts of homelessness, he persevered through adversity, eventually finding his calling in physics. Join us as Dr. Oluseyi delves into the transformative power of education, the importance of mentorship, and his dedication to breaking barriers for aspiring scientists from underrepresented backgrounds. Discover his insights on the future of physics, recent experimental breakthroughs, and his mission to enhance STEM education worldwide. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that explores the intersection of intelligence, opportunity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Plus, learn about Dr. Oluseyi's book, "A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars," and his engaging podcast with Roddenberry, "Does It Fly." Tune in for an episode filled with hope, perseverance, and a vision for a brighter future in science and engineering.

In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, hosted by Diana O'Lare, Director of Market Intelligence for ACEC, we dive deep into the future of data centers and telecommunications with Nabeel Mahmood, CEO of Mahmood and co-creator of the Nomad Futurist Podcast. Mahmood shares his insights on the explosive growth of the data center market, driven by advancements in AI, big data, and connectivity, and discusses the mega trends shaping this rapidly evolving industry. Explore the challenges and innovations in data center development, including the impact of AI, regulatory hurdles, and the importance of efficiency and sustainability. Mahmoud highlights the significance of modular designs and renewable energy sources in reducing the carbon footprint of data centers. Join us as we also touch on the geographical hotspots for data center expansion, both in the U.S. and internationally, and discuss the critical role of digital transformation and change management in adapting to new technologies. Don't miss the live market briefing on November 13th, focusing on the growing data center and telecommunications market. On November 13th 2024, ACEC will present a panel of experts in collaboration with the ACEC's new Technology Committee on the data center and telecommunications markets. The data center market continues to grow, and incentives are provided to those who can locate land to build new centers and hyperscale data centers on. Also hear how the latest trend “AI” is impacting the market. Register Now: https://www.acec.org/event/market-briefings-intel-for-engineers-four-part-series/   The Nomad Futurist Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to demystify the world of digital infrastructure, empower younger generations through exposure to the underlying technologies that power our digital world, and cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. Through the contributions of our supporters, we launch global programs in partnership with a range of education providers, NGOs and other nonprofit organizations committed to educating children in underserved communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and creating opportunities for growth and new career paths. To learn more about the Nomad Futurist Foundation, please visit: http://nomadfuturist.org. 

Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC, hosted by Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC. In this episode, we are joined by Justin Webster, Chief Technology Officer at HDR, to explore the concept of digital transformation and its impact on engineering firms. Justin shares his insights on how digital transformation means applying technology in innovative ways to enhance efficiency, modernize processes, and deliver better value to clients. He discusses his role at HDR, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology strategies with business goals and enabling employees to leverage new skills and tools. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of implementing emerging technologies like virtual reality, blockchain, and AI, while maintaining a balance between efficiency and innovation. Justin also provides practical advice for firms of all sizes on developing a technology strategy that supports their business aspirations. Tune in to learn about the top risks and opportunities in digital transformation and how engineering firms can position themselves as industry leaders by embracing technology.

Welcome to Engineering Influence, a podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we delve into the creation and mission of the Engineering Education Foundation of America (EEFA), founded by ACEC Minnesota. John Curry, Executive Director of ACEC Minnesota, and Dan Larson, past treasurer of ACEC and CEO of AET, discuss the foundation's goals and its impact on workforce development and education. John shares the driving forces behind EEFA, emphasizing the need to address workforce shortages and partner with educational organizations. The foundation focuses on four main initiatives: STEM education, post-secondary programs, industry retention and mentorship, and data-driven decision-making. Dan Larsen explains his motivation for supporting EEFA, highlighting its role in fostering a future engineering workforce. He discusses the long-term vision and the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to make engineering an exciting career choice for young people. Tune in to learn more about EEFA's achievements, including the successful launch of a 501c3 organization, scholarship programs, and volunteer-driven initiatives. Discover how ACEC Minnesota's efforts aim to inspire the next generation of engineers and strengthen the consulting engineering industry.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC. In this episode, Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC, sits down with Jason Miller, Head of Innovation at Ramble, to explore the profound impact of digital transformation in the AEC industry. Jason shares insights on how Ramble is leveraging digital tools to enhance data usage, streamline processes, and create greater value for clients. He emphasizes the importance of upskilling employees and fostering a culture that embraces change and innovation. Discover the day-to-day challenges and opportunities faced by the Head of Innovation at Ramble and learn how the firm is navigating the complexities of technology integration, including AI and large language models. Jason also discusses strategies for smaller firms to adopt a data-driven approach and the significance of maintaining flexibility in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Tune in to gain valuable advice on starting a digital transformation journey, avoiding common pitfalls, and unlocking the potential of your team with the latest digital advancements. This episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring perspectives that can help any firm, big or small, thrive in the digital age.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC, hosted by Thomas Grogan, Senior Director, Economics and Market Intelligence. In this episode, we are delighted to have Chelsey Hendrickson from Kimley Horn, who leads the New Ventures Incubator and Technology Solutions team. Chelsey dives into the meaning of digital transformation and its impact on improving work experiences, client outcomes, and community services. She shares insights into her dynamic role, highlighting the importance of collaboration, market research, and continuous innovation to address evolving challenges. Throughout the conversation, Chelsey discusses the importance of leveraging employee passions and expertise, the need for market-tested solutions, and the critical role of change management. She also offers valuable advice for smaller firms looking to embark on their digital transformation journey incrementally. The episode concludes on an optimistic note, emphasizing the energizing effect of technology on employees and the potential for an even greater impact on the communities served by the engineering industry. Join us to explore the transformative potential of technology in engineering and gain actionable insights from an industry leader.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC. In this episode, Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC, sits down with Jason Miller, Head of Innovation at Ramble, to discuss the pivotal role of digital transformation in the AEC industry. Jason shares insights on what digital transformation means for Ramble, emphasizing the importance of foundational technologies, data reuse, and upskilling colleagues to prepare for the future of the AEC industry. He also talks about the creation of the Ramble Tech organization aimed at accelerating change and innovation within the company. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation, including the importance of flexibility, the potential of data strategies, and the need to balance innovation with risk management. Jason also highlights the significance of maintaining a client-centric approach and the benefits of fostering a culture that embraces failure and learning. As the discussion wraps up, Jason offers valuable advice for smaller firms looking to embark on their own digital transformation journey and shares his optimistic view on the future, driven by the energy and potential of new digital tools to solve sustainability challenges in the AEC industry. Join us for this engaging episode to learn more about how digital transformation is shaping the future of engineering and consulting.

The Intersection of Digital Transformation and the AEC Industry: Insights from Stantec's CTOWelcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast from ACEC. In this episode, Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC, engages in an insightful discussion with Shankar Kalyana, Chief Technology Officer at Stantec. Shankar shares his expertise on the nuanced differences between digitization and digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of reimagining processes rather than merely automating inefficient ones. He highlights the critical role of active C-suite sponsorship and robust change management in driving successful transformation initiatives. The conversation also delves into best practices and lessons learned from other sectors, the importance of aligning technology strategy with business objectives, and the collaborative effort required to upskill and modernize the workforce. Shankar offers valuable advice for smaller firms on navigating digital transformation and identifies key technologies poised to impact the industry. Join us for a comprehensive exploration of how digital transformation can unlock new value and drive innovation within the AEC industry.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC, hosted by Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC. In this episode, we are thrilled to have Justin Webster, Chief Technology Officer at HDR, share his insights on digital transformation. Justin dives into what digital transformation means to him and how he applies modern technologies to elevate HDR's operations. He discusses the importance of aligning technology with business strategies, overcoming challenges, and making data-driven decisions. Justin also shares valuable lessons from his experience in various industries and provides advice for smaller firms on developing a technology strategy. Listen in to learn about the risks and opportunities in digital transformation and how to effectively leverage technology to stay ahead in the industry.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). Host Allison Schneider is joined by Joe Romano, Principal and Vice President at Langan, and John Russo, Founder and Board Member Emeritus of the U.S. Institute of Building Documentation (USIBD). This episode delves into the upcoming ACEC education session titled "BIM Demystified." Joe and John share insights about the Coalition of Professional Surveyors (COPS) and the critical role of building documentation in design, construction, and maintenance. Learn about key initiatives like the level of accuracy specification and the importance of accurate building data in promoting sustainability. Discover the significance of having standards in building documentation, the challenges of working with existing conditions, and the concept of digital twins. The session will cover methods of data collection, representation, and how BIM can streamline building lifecycle management. Don't miss this enlightening discussion aimed at owners, architects, engineers, surveyors, and anyone interested in BIM and building documentation. Tune in to understand how these practices can lead to more efficient and sustainable building management.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast, hosted by Allison Schneider from ACEC. In this episode, we sit down with Tracy Shirtcliff, CEO and founder of SCOPEbetter, an ACEC affiliate member. Tracy shares insights into how SCOPEbetter's platform is revolutionizing pricing strategies for engineering firms. Discover how SCOPEbetter integrates with existing systems to provide a centralized solution for pricing, helping businesses transition from manual spreadsheets to streamlined processes. Learn about the common challenges in pricing engineering contracts and how SCOPEbetter addresses these issues to drive profitability. Tracy also discusses the importance of standardization, the impact of being the first proposal received, and the value of ACEC affiliate membership in staying connected with industry trends and solutions. Don't miss this insightful conversation on making pricing your firm's superpower!

Welcome to the ACEC's Engineering Influence Podcast. As we approach the holiday season, we want to take a moment to introduce our upcoming education series presented by the Technology Committee, focusing on digital transformation for AEC professionals. This initial three-part online series is tailored to guide professionals through the transition from traditional business practices to advanced technological approaches. We will cover essential change management principles, harnessing big data for informed decision-making, and delivering projects digitally with precision. Our first session, "Technology Management 101," will take place on July 17th at 1:30 p.m. Eastern. Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes, and Claire Rutkowski, CIO at POWER Engineers, will provide a foundational overview of change management principles for technology adoption in engineering firms. The second session, "Unlocking Big Value with Big Data," is scheduled for September 18th. Ryan Beckman, VP and Innovation Lead at Olson, and Marcus Widener, Chief Innovation Officer at Pennoni, will discuss leveraging big data to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across firm operations. Our final session, "Digital Delivery," will be held on December 4th. Dave Mulholland, Chief Technology Officer at VHB, will explore technology solutions used in ambitious projects across the United States and the basics of digital project delivery. Register for all three classes at once and receive a 10% discount, or choose the individual session that best meets your needs. All sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing. 

Join host Allison Schneider as she sits down with Keith Molenaar, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado in Boulder, on the latest episode of the Engineering Influence podcast. Together, they delve into the intricacies of design-build contracts and their role in the accelerated effort to rebuild the Key Bridge in Baltimore. Keith shares insights from his extensive research, highlighting the benefits of design-build, such as faster project delivery and cost certainty. They also discuss the challenges and risk allocations faced by design-build teams, and the importance of collaboration and innovation in modern engineering projects. Tune in to learn how design-build contracts are shaping the future of engineering and construction, and what ACEC members should consider when engaging in these complex projects.

In this episode from the 2024 Spring Convention and Legislative Summit, we discuss the initiatives of ACEC's DEI&B Committee, how it functions, and the importance of its roles. The conversation revolves around the ongoing efforts to provide reliable tools and resources, fostering diversity and inclusivity within the engineering community. Guest speakers include Eric Madden, the CMO from JMT, and Michael Cooper, president of HED. Together, they explore the creation of infographics aimed at simplifying the understanding of ACEC's organization, charting leadership paths for members, and how leaders could truly benefit from the organization. The infographics serve as a tangible tool, inviting broader participation at both national and MO levels. The dialogue moves towards discussing effective strategies for increasing organizational involvement, highlighting the necessity of diversity. They discuss how crucial it is to educate individuals about ACEC, cultivate comfort within the organization, and promote efficient networking.  Whether you're an employer, industry professional, or an aspiring engineer, this podcast episode provides thoughtful conversation and insights into the world of engineering, leadership, and the core values that guide ACEC.

ACEC's VP of Political Affairs, Dave Bender sat down with Lee Lennard, President and CEO of BGE Engineering to discuss the importance of political involvement as part of ACEC's larger advocacy program.

Summary: This episode discusses the final draft of the BLM landscape health and conservation rule, which aims to flood money into the public land system to control management. The rule introduces new types of leases, such as restoration and mitigation leases, and prioritizes areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs). The hosts express concerns about the rule's lack of statutory authority and its potential impact on motorized recreation. They also question the need for the rule, as many of its provisions are already covered by existing laws and programs. The conversation discusses the proposed conservation rule and its potential impact on public lands. The hosts argue that the rule is a power grab by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and gives unilateral authority to state directors to designate Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) without congressional approval. They highlight the potential consequences for grazing allotments and the transfer of wealth from public land users to environmental groups through mitigation funds. They emphasize the need for congressional oversight and support for the West Act.   Takeaways The BLM landscape health and conservation rule aims to flood money into the public land system to control management. The rule introduces new types of leases, such as restoration and mitigation leases, and prioritizes areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs). There are concerns about the rule's lack of statutory authority and its potential impact on motorized recreation. Many of the provisions in the rule are already covered by existing laws and programs. The proposed conservation rule gives unilateral authority to state directors of the BLM to designate ACECs without congressional approval. The rule could have significant consequences for grazing allotments and other public land uses. Mitigation funds created through the rule could result in a transfer of wealth from public land users to environmental groups. The criteria for ACEC designation are vague and could be subject to abuse. Congressional oversight and support for the West Act are necessary to address the concerns raised by the rule. Sound Bites "The BLM landscape conservation rule will only affect BLM land. The Wall Street rule would have affected everything." "There is an organized political movement that is doing everything it can to remove roads off the landscape so that it can create wilderness." "This is a land grab. This is them saying, we no longer need presidents in the antiquities act. We no longer need Congress and wilderness designations." "Once they get it designated as an ACEC, then it's going to be nearly impossible to remove that ACEC designation."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and recent events 04:46 Legislation and potential legal challenges 09:29 Prioritization of ACECs in the rule 13:44 Concerns about the rule's provisions 23:32 Ulterior motives and the need for the rule 26:57 Unilateral Authority: The Power Grab by the Bureau of Land Management 29:35 Consequences for Grazing Allotments and Public Land Uses 36:23 Wealth Transfer: Mitigation Funds and Environmental Groups 41:21 Vague Criteria: Potential for Abuse in ACEC Designation 48:23 Congressional Oversight and the Need for the West Act

The Engineering Influence Podcast from ACEC National is thrilled to announce a new series called "Market Briefings for Engineers." Scheduled to be launched online on February 21st, this series was crafted after thoughtful feedback from our engaged member community. We designed it to provide relevant market intelligence, focusing on significant trends, legislation, and opportunities impacting today's markets. Register for our first event here: https://www.acec.org/event/market-briefings-the-growing-energy-market/  The Market Briefings Engineers will delve into crucial areas like vertical infrastructure, construction spending, AE revenues, and more, all the while offering expert interviews, insight into our industry, and comprehensive five-year forecasts. Our series aims to deliver valuable insider intel, zeroing in on growth markets using data derived from extensive ACEC research. We will explore major growth areas anticipated for the next five years, including energy, office, healthcare and life sciences, data centers, and telecommunications. Our inaugural session on February 21st will discuss trending topics in the energy market, including renewable alternatives, power plant development, and more. Future sessions will cover topics such as adaptive reuse, trends in healthcare and life sciences, and the growth of data centers and telecommunications. Each session is expertly curated to deliver information about robust market sectors by presenting panels of clients, developers, and industry experts. We aim to benefit our members by highlighting opportunities, trends, and areas set for growth. To further the cause, we also plan to offer recordings of each session so that you can catch up whenever you want. We encourage you to join us on this enlightening journey and look forward to your participation this year. If you need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.

We sat down with our Board Chair Jay Wolverton to catch up on a busy year of activity at ACEC.  We discussed the results of the recent Executive Committee meeting, the work of the new workforce committee and more.  

John A. Rathke, PE, SE, FACEC – Wisconsin Vice President and Principal, Mead & Hunt, Inc. Chair-Elect, 2024-2025, Chair 2025-2026 John Rathke is a Vice President and Principal at Mead & Hunt, Inc., in Wisconsin. He completed his term as Vice Chair on the ACEC Executive Committee at the Annual Convention in June 2023. John was previously inducted into the College of Fellows in 2019. He has served on the Planning Cabinet from 2021 to 2023, responsible for determining metrics to measure progress in achieving the ACEC Strategic Plan Goals and to explore whether ACEC is devoting enough resources to the water and energy markets. The latter ultimately resulted in the forming of a new Energy Committee to focus on the engineering business of the energy market. John is active on ACEC's Transportation Committee and Risk Management Committee. He has served as National Director and ACEC/Wisconsin Chair-Elect, Chairman of the Board, and Nominating Committee Chair. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville.

We sat down with Gresham Smith's Rodney Chester, Chair of the ACEC Workforce Committee, to discuss his plans for the new group.

Gary W. Raba. leads organic and inorganic growth for Raba Kistner, Inc. (RK). Before taking this responsibility, Gary served as CEO of Raba Kistner, Inc. He has also served as COO of Raba-Kistner, Inc., and COO of a new startup division, Raba-Kistner Infrastructure, Inc. Gary was CEO during the 2018 sale of RK to private equity firm Crescent Capital of Brisbane, Australia, and served on the RK Executive Committee during the subsequent transaction to the Family Office of KIWA, Rijswijk, the Netherlands, in 2020. Gary has served in multiple board, committee, and volunteer roles for ACEC-Texas and ACEC National. Gary has been in engineering for 35 years and is licensed in several states.

Peter Moore, PE, FACEC, F.ASCE, F.FES, LEED AP, ENV SP – Florida President and CEO of Chen Moore and Associates, Inc. Vice Chair (2024-2026) Peter Moore is the President and CEO of Chen Moore and Associates, Inc, a multi-disciplinary engineering firm headquartered in Florida. Peter started in the firm as a project engineer, and has served as President for 16 years, currently leading over 125 professionals. He has been the President or Board Chair of eight organizations, ranging from local leadership non-profits to service on the Executive Committee of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Peter has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master of Engineering from the University of Florida. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Florida and holds certifications as a LEEP AP and ENV SP. Peter has been elected as a Fellow of ACEC, ASCE, and the Florida Engineering Society. Peter lives with his wife Karolynn and daughter Sofia in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Nous sommes le dimanche 24 mai 1936. La Belgique vote. Ce sont des élections anticipées dont les résultats vont provoquer un véritable séisme. Jusque-là, depuis l'instauration du suffrage universel masculin en 1919, les trois partis traditionnels recueillaient 90 % des voix. Mais cette fois, près d'un électeur sur quatre s'est tourné vers sur une formation non traditionnelle. Alors qu'il se présente pour la première fois, Rex, le parti d'extrême droite de Léon Degrelle, remporte 21 sièges à la Chambre. Le VNV (Vlaams Nationaal Verbond, ou Ligue nationale flamande), en obtient 16. À gauche, le Parti communiste multiplie par trois le nombre de ses députés. Parmi ceux-ci, une femme. Elle se nomme Alice Adère, épouse Degeer, élue à Liège, alors même que les femmes n'ont pas le droit de voter. L'année suivante, la députée communiste dépose d'ailleurs une proposition de loi pour l'acquisition de ce droit. Elle prend bien soin de prévenir ses camarades : « On ne nous le donnera pas si nous ne le prenons pas en nous battant ». Et la lutte, en effet, sera longue encore. Alors qui était Alice Adère, pionnière et résistante, dont le souvenir a si peu marqué la mémoire collective ? Retours sur le parcours d'une ouvrière obstinée … Invité : Adrian Thomas, historien attaché à l'Association culturelle Joseph Jacquemotte, auteur de "Robert Dussart, une histoire ouvrière des ACEC de Charleroi" (sorti en 2021 chez Aden). (Joseph Jacquemotte : syndicaliste, membre fondateur et dirigeant du Parti communiste de Belgique, fondateur et directeur des journaux L'Exploité, le Drapeau rouge et La Voix du Peuple). Sujet traités : Alice Adere-Degeer, Léon Degrelle, Rex, Liège, sufrage, communiste, vote, femme, lutte, pionnière, résistante, ouvrière Merci pour votre écoute Un Jour dans l'Histoire, c'est également en direct tous les jours de la semaine de 13h15 à 15h sur www.rtbf.be/lapremiere Retrouvez tous les épisodes d'Un Jour dans l'Histoire sur notre plateforme Auvio.be : https://auvio.rtbf.be/emission/5936 Et si vous avez apprécié ce podcast, n'hésitez pas à nous donner des étoiles ou des commentaires, cela nous aide à le faire connaître plus largement.

Recently, the US Census released the results of its monthly Value of Construction Put in Place Survey. The survey provides estimates of the total dollar value of construction work done in the U.S. This data includes design and construction spending for public and private projects.   With an estimate of $2.05 trillion (seasonally adjusted) for November 2023, this is the 11th consecutive month where construction spending rose, beginning in December 2022.  Total Construction spending growth continues to be strong. Nominal values are still at all-time highs with 11.3% growth (seasonally adjusted).  MoM growth is 0.4%, a decrease from last month's revised 1.2%  Spending growth continues to vary by project classification  Year to Date spending growth on Public Construction projects is significantly higher at 14.6% compared to Private Construction at 3.9%  Source: US Census Value of Construction Put in Place Survey January 2, 2024, release    Nonresidential spending continues to have larger share of total construction spending since crossover in September 2022 though is plateauing  Nonresidential project classifications grew at 18.1% YOY, a decrease from last month's 20.0%  Total nonresidential saw a decline in MoM growth at -0.1% compared to last month's 0.1%    Residential spending continues upward growth from April 2023 low  November was the second month in 2023 with positive YoY growth at 3.7%  7th consecutive positive MoM growth at 1.2%  Source: US Census Value of Construction Put in Place Survey, January 2, 2024, release  We can point to fiscal policy and subsequent private investment in sectors like manufacturing, and wastewater as supporting these high growth levels, while the residential sector continues its rebound. Compared to previous month's, the Total Power (up 10.2% YTD) & Total Public Safety (up 11.3% YTD) sectors continue to grow and are no longer “bottom” growth categories, spurred by increased Government spending in this category. 

Tim Groover will be leading ACEC's upcoming course titled: “Personal and Organizational Ethics: Charting a Values-Based Course to Authenticity and Trust." We sat down with Tim to discuss the importance of ethics in engineering and how his course will differ from others on the topic.

The ACEC Research Institute has released its first-ever Diversity Roadmap, the culmination of a six-month process designed to help member firms execute against their diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) goals. Launched in Summer 2023 and sponsored by the Zweig Group, the Roadmap is a comprehensive, data-driven tool that assesses the maturity of a firm's DEIB program. Using these data, the tool then provides actionable suggestions on how firms can make further progress on their diversity journeys. In short, the tool doesn't just tell firms how well they are doing. It tells them how they can do better. To participate in the Roadmap, firms were asked a series of questions about their practices and policies in a variety of areas: Workplace, Workforce, Marketplace, and Supplier/Community. Their answers to these individual areas were scored, then aggregated to produce a final score. Scores range from Aspiring (for firms at the earliest stages of building their DEIB disciplines) to Optimizing – firms that have robust strategic programs in place. In between are firms that are Emerging or Managing, signaling solid progress but outstanding work yet to be done. While most member firms are early in their DEIB journeys (80 percent scored as “Aspiring”), it is worth noting that nearly 200 ACEC member firms participated in the Roadmap initiative, which signals both a willingness and an appetite for creating diverse workspaces. And that appetite comes from the top of our firms. The data indicate that firm leaders show significant support for DEIB issues; the majority of responding firms have a CEO or president who articulates a commitment to these issues (68 percent always/often). This commitment can be seen in the numbers of firms that have initiatives for creating an inclusive work environment for all employees (68 percent) and in firms that have mechanisms in place for actively recruiting diverse candidates (64 percent). Nearly half (49 percent) are seeking to broaden awareness of DEIB topics, with 42 percent of firms reporting that they communicate the importance of these issues to their employees. While 24 percent of firms report having no DEIB initiatives, these firms' participation in the Study would seem to signal at least some level of interest. And it's not too late for firms that are interested in participating in the Roadmap but have not yet entered their data. The tool was closed for responses in advance of the ACEC Fall Conference but has been reopened and will stay open through the end of the year. If your firm would still like to participate, please contact institute@acec.org to receive your login information if you don't have it. The deadline to submit 2022 data is Dec 31, 2023. Submitting by the end of the year will enable firms to benchmark year over year improvements when the tool opens back up for 2023 data collection in early Spring 2024.

Steve Hall, ACEC's Executive Vice President, joined the podcast to provide an update on what the Council's advocacy team is working on and what we're expecting for 2024.

Last week, the ACEC Research Institute released its first-ever Diversity Roadmap Report on the state of DEI&B programs and practices at ACEC member firms. The Report offers a view of where we are as an industry on our DEI&B journey and, as its name implies, gives actionable suggestions on how firms can take the next steps that are right for them. We gave a brief preview of the Roadmap's findings at our Fall Conference in Austin, where we shared that most of our firms' DEI&B programs are still in their early stages. That's an important metric, but it tells only part of the story. As Chair of ACEC's DEI&B Committee, I keep hearing one recurring theme: “We know we need to do better. We just need more support.” And that is where the Roadmap comes in. Where there is a will, there is a way – and this Roadmap shows the way. A way for firms to see where they are (and to see they're not alone in their progress) and how to move forward. A way to help our members build firms that attract talented candidates and enable them to thrive. A way to ensure that our industry is positioned to compete – and win – in a globalized and diverse marketplace. To borrow a line from Yogi Berra: “If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.” Our industry can't afford to wind up someplace else. Not when we're all in the recruitment and retention trenches, fighting for talent. Building the kind of diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve is more than just the “right thing to do.” And of course it is that, but it is so much more than that. Our industry has assumed a great deal of responsibility for our country's continued progress and prosperity. We have been charged with building the future, and the more skills, backgrounds, and perspectives we can bring to our efforts, the better we all will be. There is still time to participate in the Roadmap and enter your 2022 data; the tool will close for responses on December 31. It will reopen in Spring 2024 to enter 2023 data. So if you don't already have your login information, please email institute@acec.org and they will get you set up. Let's close the year strong.

Live from STUDIO G- in the heart of America- I'm STEVE GRUBER- saying the things you wish you could -every day-  fighting for you from the Foxhole of Freedom and defending this great nation-- this is THE STEVE GRUBER SHOW!   Here are 3 big things you need to know right now—   Number One—The war in Gaza may not go on much longer—that is the indication as Hamas fighters and terrorists are surrendering in massive numbers having paid a terrible price to the IDF—   Number Two— In the other war, Ukraine is still losing—and you are still footing the bill for an unwinnable mess—that you are told is urgent and needed—to me it still qualifies as neither—and I do not support what we are doing—   Number Three— You are being robbed of your birthright as an American—that is a fact and the thief is your federal government in Washington DC and its insidious tentacles that reach into the fabric of the entire nation—   I am going to do my best to educate you today on a brand new threat that slipped past me—but its a threat to farming and ranching, hunting, fishing, family time, recreation and yes the American way of life—and it was brought to my attention this past week by one of my incredible listeners—   I lived in Montana for a few years in the late 80's and early 90's while going to college at Montana State in Bozeman—I absolutely loved it—I was raised hunting and fishing—and had first seen Big Sky country in 1977 while on a family vacation—it was a trip that changed me forever—and in a very good way—   I have since that time had a tremendous appreciation for the Western States—and have had the great joy of walking the breathtaking landscapes of not only Montana but Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico—and yes plenty of time in the greatest frontier still remaining Alaska—   During my college days I was very aware of the original BLM—the Bureau of Land Management—which controls more than 10% of our nations land—it really is a jaw dropping amount of land—AND it is primarily in the states I just mentioned—and it is all being targeted for removal from being used for anything—that's right ANYTHING!   Today I am ALSO here to tell you— I'm sorry but this will likely come far too late to stop what is about, if not already certain to happen in pursuit of some liberal utopia—that frankly will never exist—BUT they will continue to try to ram down our throats— ALL IN THE NAME OF CLIMATE CHANGE— Diversity, equity and inclusion—   You see, while you have been distracted by a thousand policies designed to steal your freedom every day from the left—they have drawn up a plan to literally steal the earth out from under your feet—   And if you think I am exaggerating—I can assure you I am not—   This is the pursuit of 15-minute cities on steroids—an expansion on the EV fantasy—to make sure they can destroy farming and ranching—make meat less available—as the globalists just outlined over the weekend at the COP 28 summit it Dubai, while they dined on smash burgers and Filet Mignon— and with cheeseburgers on their breath—they are ready to root out all of the self-sustaining people in America—you know the ones they like to call right-wingers and racists—most likely people just like you—   Let me explain:   You see hidden inside Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and Joe Biden's Infrastructure bill—were the beginnings of something much more sinister—and that is re-thinking how all federal lands are managed in America—and what they can, and more importantly CANNOT be used for—   This past Spring—the federal government—by way of the Department of the Interior—made major proposals to how the Bureau of Land Management is required to deal with land use—and this impacts hundreds of millions of acres in The United States—   The land managed by the BLM includes ecosystems as diverse as red rock deserts, oceans of sagebrush, towering pine forests, expansive grasslands and vast areas of the Rocky Mountains—to name a few—and every single one of these places may be off limits to you—and everyone, soon and FOREVER—   For anyone who has heard me over the past many years—I have said time and time again that those on the left would love to run a fence all the way around Montana—and make it off-limits—   But these new schemes turn that from a somewhat sarcastic comment to a dangerous new reality—in fact I completely underestimated how much fence the radical leftists actually wanted to put up—to keep you and me out—   Let me explain further—   There are four major changes that have been proposed to how the BLM manages the federal land under its control—and unless there is some kind of miracle— these changes will be implemented beginning early in 2024—   First—is the placement of the word “conservation', it is put on equal footing with all other uses—in what has been called Multiple Use—and historically included recreation, range, timber, minerals, hunting, fishing, scientific and historical among others—BUT now inserting the word conservation will Trump all other land uses—every single one—meaning they are going to lock the gate—and nobody—except a privileged few will ever get inside again—   Second on the list—is in effect selling the land out from under you—although they call it conservation leases—BUT radical organizations like the Sierra Club and the Center of Biological Diversity or other third party special interest groups will have the ability to lease vast expanses of federal land—and then set their own rules in pursuit of ‘environmental justice' or some other misguided idea—that will put them in the position of God himself—   To be clear, a third party that does not have the best interest of the American people in mind, but rather its own environmental justice agenda—could lease our federal land in perpetuity—and there isn't anything you can do about it—in effect—creating permanent control of federal lands by a third party with a radical agenda—without ever getting the consent of the governed because it has never gone through Congress—this is a power grab by the Department of the Interior and BLM under its radical Green New Deal agenda—   The third alteration is just as bad as the first two—and would revise existing regulations and framework for establishing Areas of Critical Environmental Concern—and the new rules PRIORITIZE this effort—say goodbye to cows grazing, or the production of oil and natural gas—its all part of the end run on the rule of law—   And Number four—expands the framework for making land health assessments—and you can imagine what that will mean—and that is—whatever the hell those environmental whackos want it to mean—   So what does all of this mean?   Well, first it will mean the eradication of grazing on public lands that have long been the lifeblood of ranchers in these western states—the cattle industry has been the fountain on which communities were born and built and still thrive today—BUT the environmental Nazis are riding in to end farming and ranching—they must control the food, its part of the plan!   You see the Conservation Leases can be given to people, companies, Non-Governmental organizations like the ones the United Nations specializes in or tribal governments—so that is one big powerful swing—funded by people like Bill Gates and George Soros—    The Areas of Critical Environmental Concern or ACEC's could be used to shut down just about anything—and I do mean anything—I mean under the very loose definition—this change could be used to ban almost every use—like hunting, fishing and snowmobiling for example—it could block the use of boats on lakes on federal land—and in the name of endangered species could even block horses and mules from using the land—and you cannot go for a hike—in fact one of the most egregious parts says you could access an area—only on foot and only for 1 hour! Yes you heard me right—you could not even throw up a tent to spend the night—you can march in 50 miles—look around for no more than 60 minutes and march back out—does that seem appropriate to you on any level?   Yes, this allows for the complete prohibition of using OUR lands and yes my friends they are, OUR lands—at least they will be until January of 2024, when they will be on the block to the highest bidder, no matter how radical—   Oh, and here is the real kicker—the ACEC status can ONLY be removed if its determined the protection is no longer needed or stronger more restrictive rules are put in place instead—LIKE I SAID THIS PLANNED LAND THEFT IS PERMANENT—you can never take land back out that has been put in—ITS WRONG ON EVERY LEVEL—   Of course this is all built on the fantasy of Climate Change that has nothing to do with climate at all—BUT with tyrannical politics controlling people—and this control of millions of acres—destroying cattle grazing within two or three years—puts it all on track to keep checking off the provisions of Agenda 2030— The United Nations Marxist plan for the future of the world—   I mean when they tell you the radical, ideological things they are willing to do to take control of everything I strongly suggest you listen—   Here is a list for you to consider—of some of the things that are already happening—in case you have forgotten—   Kill Switches—will be required on all cars beginning in 2026—and soon thereafter—outlawing classic vehicles, meaning any that don't have this technology—and who can shut the cars down? Government overlords of course using satellites— Attacks on all means of farming—as we have been covering—attacking the production of food as some sort of evil—destroy the farms or we will die from Global Warming—that is the insane message being sent— End meat and dairy, all of it— we eat bugs while they fly in private jets and dine on Filet Mignon—it's a feudal system— Tracking cell phones—and listening in—I mean if they could track every single person on J-6—they can track us all and hear what we are talking about, 24 hours a day— Tracking TV's and all appliances—that are real world listening and tracking devices—that are AI capable now—and able to “learn” everything they can about us-- The Patriot Act the most heinous law in history—opened the door to all of this government surveillance—but it was just the beginning— Silencing and Censoring on-line and in-person communication—and by doing this they can control what you read, see and hear—all part of the programming and re-programming that has been going full speed for awhile now—   Refusing to secure the border—flooding western nations with savages—that are looking to take anything and everything—never learning the language and never assimilating because that has never been the plan—its always been to swamp the boat— Refusing to enforce the law—no cash bail—no accountability—trying to hold one group of people responsible for the actions of people that look similar, hundreds of years ago—while dismissing what people actually do themselves— MAID Laws—which means killing people in Canada—and its making its way here too—and that means diminishing the value of life itself to make it almost meaningless— Healthcare control with WHO dictating who gets what kind of care and when—and having the power to shut down everything— Central Bank Digital currency—the end of cash—the rise of the most powerful black market in world history—yeah that's coming too— Social credit scores—of course this is just another way to keep tabs on you so when its time to drop the hammer they know where and on whom to drop it— Guns, guns, guns—and the 10,000 ways they want to take them away from people trying to defend themselves— The Green Energy fallacy—in all its incarnations— Attack all appliances to make sure we soon all live in 3rd world misery—BUT not the lords and ladies of course—NO, the globalists will never live like the peasants—Like John Kerry has made clear, the elites are far too important to follow these kinds of rules— LPR's—which are license plate readers, keeping track of you on every police car and camera you pass—this has been going on for a decade—think about that the next time you run around town— Pick your gender and your pronouns—destroying science—and advancing mental illness as some sort of protected class to rise up against the villains—and of course white people— Digital ID's and mandatory tracking—meaning you will be required to take your device anywhere and everywhere you travel—so they can cross reference with your car, your TV and your toaster— Election integrity—which they are trying to manipulate—BUT if they fall short they want you to think there just isn't any point any more—that its all rigged—sometimes it may be—BUT not always—BUT they want you to think—its ALWAYS rigged— Why? Convincing you not to vote— Which ultimately means the Death of the West!   But there is hope today coming from several different nations—   A Red Riptide is coming—globally—because a whole host of countries and their people are fighting back at the ballot box—and I believe this is just beginning— Italy Venezuela Argentina Poland Romania Hungary And Spain to name a few—  

The ACEC Research Institute has released its first-ever Diversity Roadmap, the culmination of a six-month process designed to help member firms execute against their diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) goals. Launched in Summer 2023 and sponsored by the Zweig Group Group, the Roadmap is a comprehensive, data-driven tool that assesses the maturity of a firm's DEIB program. Using these data, the tool then provides actionable suggestions on how firms can make further progress on their diversity journeys. In short, the tool doesn't just tell firms how well they are doing. It tells them how they can do better. To participate in the Roadmap, firms were asked a series of questions about their practices and policies in a variety of areas: Workplace, Workforce, Marketplace, and Supplier/Community. Their answers to these individual areas were scored, then aggregated to produce a final score. Scores range from Aspiring (for firms at the earliest stages of building their DEIB disciplines) to Optimizing – firms that have robust strategic programs in place. In between are firms that are Emerging or Managing, signaling solid progress but outstanding work yet to be done. While most member firms are early in their DEIB journeys (80 percent scored as “Aspiring”), it is worth noting that nearly 200 ACEC member firms participated in the Roadmap initiative, which signals both a willingness and an appetite for creating diverse workspaces. And that appetite comes from the top of our firms. The data indicate that firm leaders show significant support for DEIB issues; the majority of responding firms have a CEO or president who articulates a commitment to these issues (68 percent always/often). This commitment can be seen in the numbers of firms that have initiatives for creating an inclusive work environment for all employees (68 percent) and in firms that have mechanisms in place for actively recruiting diverse candidates (64 percent). Nearly half (49 percent) are seeking to broaden awareness of DEIB topics, with 42 percent of firms reporting that they communicate the importance of these issues to their employees. While 24 percent of firms report having no DEIB initiatives, these firms' participation in the Study would seem to signal at least some level of interest. And it's not too late for firms that are interested in participating in the Roadmap but have not yet entered their data. The tool was closed for responses in advance of the ACEC Fall Conference but has been reopened and will stay open through the end of the year.  If your firm would still like to participate, please contact institute@acec.org to receive your login information if you don't have it. The deadline to submit 2022 data is Dec 31, 2023. Submitting by the end of the year will enable firms to benchmark year over year improvements when the tool opens back up for 2023 data collection in early Spring 2024. To read the full Report, click here.  

ACEC's Director of Private Market Resources, Diana Alexander, previews the newest Private Market Brief on the Commercial and Residential Real Estate market.

The following is an audio recording of a post that originally appeared on the Last Word Blog at www.acec.org. ACEC recently held a webinar on the prohibition against TikTok on any device used to execute federal government contracts. Led by Holland & Knight attorney Jeremy Burkhart – a leading expert on government contracts – the session focused on the legal implications of the ban and what firms may or may not legally do to enforce it. The rule applies to the presence or use of any covered application on any information technology owned or managed by a contractor, including equipment provided by the contractor's employees, unless an exception is granted. Burkhart began his presentation with the backstory of TikTok: what it is, how it came to be, and why it has been the cause of such widespread agita among governments across the globe. He joked that those concerns are well beyond the obvious, namely wasting your time or socially stunting your kids. Instead, he continued, the overriding concerns are twofold: spying and propaganda by the Chinese government. “The spying to me is the larger concern,” Burkhart said. “It's not just a hypothetical. It's a very real issue.” He pointed to an incident in which ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, tracked three journalists who had previously exposed its links to the Chinese government and who had revealed that the company's employees had repeatedly accessed American user data. ByteDance tracked these reporters' IP addresses and user data to determine if they had been in the same locations as its employees in an effort to determine the source of the leaks. This, Burkhart concluded, was not a rogue operation. Rather, it was sanctioned at the company's highest levels. ByteDance is currently under investigation by both the FBI and the DOJ. In December 2022, Congress passed – and President Biden signed – the No TikTok on Government Devices Act, which prohibits the use of the app on government devices. The law passed unanimously, with broad support on both sides of the aisle – a notable moment of agreement in deeply polarized Washington. The law requires the government to “develop standards and guidelines for executive agencies requiring the removal of any covered application.” There have also been moves toward a more sweeping and outright ban on TikTok (which some countries and states have done) but the broad nature of the language stymied its passage. Momentum for such an outright ban has now slowed, and it's unclear whether any legislation addressing TikTok will pass Congress. Which leaves unsettled questions for firms with government contracts on how to enforce the ban, particularly on the personal devices of employees. Burkhart was asked about personal devices not issued by the company but used by employees to access company email and collaboration tools like Teams. Would such devices be included within the ban? And is that legal? For firms, Burkhart said, the thornier question is not an outright ban so much as how to enforce compliance. “At the end of the day, there's considerations that the company has to go through,” he said. “Either way there is some level of risk. [Firms] have to weigh all those risks.” And in weighing those risks, it's important that firms also take into account things like their own corporate culture and demographics. What size is your workforce, and are employees of a demographic that will even care about not using TikTok? How much does the company prioritize employee expression and separation of work and personal lives? And, if a company does opt against banning its employees from TikTok, is the company prepared for the potential fallout if there is a move for more expansive enforcement? Burkhart concluded his presentation with a technical tutorial on what companies can do to mitigate the risks of TikTok for both the firm and its employees. Regardless of whether the government expands its reach on TikTok, Burkhart emphasized that the app does pose a real threat to users' private data. “It is worth considering policies to address that threat, irrespective of any federal mandate.” This webinar – and all ACEC education sessions – is available on demand and includes professional development hours (PDH) to all who successfully complete the course requirements. To view this presentation, click here.  

Check out these highlights from this year's awesome event!!! 00:15 - Laura Newbrough, SHRM-CP, Founder of LNHR Consulting 16:25 - Madison Baker, Survey Analyst at RLF Consulting 26:12 - Tim Burrows, CP, Southwest Project Manager at AeroTech Mapping Technologies 43:35 - Charles Gajda, PE, Civil Engineer at FEMA 01:00 - Christopher Rayle, MA, RPA, SW Regional Principal & Ragan Guevara (Eaves), Business Development Representative at Chronicle Heritage 01:18 - Ali Shamshiripour, Assistant Professor at University of Arizona 01:28 - Ryan Circello, Director of Utility & Civil Infrastructure & Kendall (Jessing) Arp, Marketing Coordinator II at Burgess & Niple    

You just can't find the people these days, right? Anyone in the manufacturing, engineering, or construction industries knows that the top challenge right now is finding talent. There's a shortage of willing and able workers in the U.S. – and immigration policies make it difficult to bring in talent from overseas. In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we head to Washington D.C. for a special live panel discussion from the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall. Marsia Geldert-Murphey, ASCE President-Elect, Thayer Long, President of the Association for Print Technologies and Steve Hall, Executive VP of ACEC, explore the reasons behind the talent shortage, how public policy could help, and how organizations are trying to attract the next generation of workers. In this episode, find out: What employers can do to grow their applicant pool How firms are trying to attract talent Why you need to move people to the opportunities How public policy could help Why immigration rules need to be revisited What drives young people How organizations are reaching out to school and college-aged students Enjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going! Tweetable Quotes: “When you look at countries like Germany, Belarus, South Korea, UAE, 30% of their graduates are STEM graduates. In the United States, it's 19%. It's a math problem. We just do not have enough people. So we have got to improve our immigration program.” – Marsia “There's a lot of drivers that motivate young people today, and I don't think they always think about engineering as a way of accomplishing those goals. So [we need] messaging like that to young people through STEM programs.” - Steve “If the government put a quarter of the amount of effort into promoting an apprenticeship and a career in the construction trade as they do by subsidizing and supporting college education, it'd have a tremendous impact to bring more people into our field.” - Thayer Links & mentions: Association for Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), an organization that's advancing equipment manufacturers in the global marketplace. They're on a mission not only to help businesses succeed but to build a community so that the industry as a whole can make positive, lasting change. American Society of Civil Engineers, the nation's oldest engineering society that represents more than 150,000 members in 177 countries. Independent Electrical Contractors, a national trade association for merit shop electrical and systems contractors. American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the business voice of America's engineering industry, representing nearly 6,000 firms to advocate for policies at federal, state and local levels. Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.