Ron Brenke, Executive Director for ACEC/Michigan and ASCE MI Section, participated in a press conference on May 30 a t the Michigan Municipal League in Lansing along with other industry partners supporting the www.FixMIState.org . Ron focused on Michigan's failing infrastructure and referenced the ASCE MI Section Infrastructure Report Card. 

Speakers included:

1. Joanna Johnson, Chair, Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council
2. Ronald Brenke, Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Michigan Section and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Michigan
3. Denise Donohue, Director, County Road Association (also acting as event emcee)
4. Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director, Michigan Municipal League
5. Andy Johnston, Vice-President, Government and Corporate Affairs, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
6. Mike Nystrom, Executive Vice-President, Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association and leader of the Fix MI State campaign

The group urged Michigan lawmakers to make infrastructure a priority as they head to Mackinac Island this week for the Detroit Chamber annual Mackinac Policy Conference. Despite the release of multiple reports that show Michigan's infrastructure is failing and in dire need of more investment, and the support of the public through various polls, the legislation has ignored the issue and failed to provide a plan to address the massive needs throughout the state.

The 2017 Michigan Infrastructure Conference, jointly hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Michigan and the Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), was a successful event with over 200 attendees. Held on Thursday, May 18 at the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids, the conference focused on how infrastructure can drive economic development through emerging or expanding markets, creative leadership, new technologies and unique solutions developed by practitioners, facility/infrastructure developers and owners.  

Keynote speakers included Roger Curtis, the Director of the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development, and Jeff Edwards, Project Executive with Rockford Construction. John Weiss, Executive Director of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, moderated an infrastructure discussion panel that included Mary P. Palkovich (Consumers Energy), Eric DeLong (City of Grand Rapids) and Erick Kind, (MDOT).  The day also included educational breakout sessions, exhibit booths and networking opportunities. 

The team was among 224 competitors from all 50 states, plus U.S. territories and schools that serve the U.S. State and Defense departments who traveled to Orlando after earning a spot in the national competition. More than 100,000 students participated in the local and state competitions that led to this weekend's event. This year's competition was the 34th in the MATHCOUNTS Foundation's history.

Reagan Choi, a 7th grader, and Alex Xu, an 8th grader placed 5th and 6th respectively in the written competition.  Both were quarterfinalists in the Countdown Round, during which the 12 Mathletes® with the highest written test scores competed in head-to-head matchups for the title of 2017 National Champion. This was Alex's second consecutive appearance in the Countdown Round in three years attending the National Competition. This is Reagan's second year representing Michigan.  Mark Martin has been the coach for the Michigan Team for the past five years.

This is the ninth year that Raytheon Company has served as title sponsor of the MATHCOUNTS National Competition as part of its global commitment to science, technology, engineering and math education.

"These Mathlete competitors demonstrated a mastery and enthusiasm for the subject that is both impressive and inspiring," said Thomas A. Kennedy, Raytheon Chairman and CEO. "Their passion is infectious, and it gets you excited to think about the great breakthroughs they will someday achieve as the next generation of STEM innovators and professionals."

Luke Robitaille, a home-schooled 13-year-old 7th grader from Euless, Texas is the 2017 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS® National Champion, and Texas captured the title of First Place Team in the team competition. "Every year these outstanding students show us how far hard work, perseverance and passion can take you," said Lou DiGioia, executive director of MATHCOUNTS. "I congratulate Luke and can't wait to see what he and the 223 other national competitors go on to accomplish in the future."

Over 1,100 students state-wide compete in the 16 local chapter and state competitions sponsored by the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers.

• Michael Cooper (HED) for his leadership and dedication as the 2016-2017 ACEC/M president. 
• Steve Pangori (Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick) for his leadership on the ACEC/M Board of Directors. 
• Scott Emmons (OHM Advisors) for his leadership as Chairperson of the Transportation Committee. 
• Joel Vandall (WSP) for his leadership as chairperson of the Engineering & Surveying Excellence Committee. 
• Patrick Wingate (OHM Advisors) for his leadership as chairperson of the MDOT-ACEC Procedures & Practices Committee. 

After winning the top ACEC/Michigan scholarships in February, two Michigan engineering/surveying students went on to compete for ACEC National scholarships. Both applicants were successful and received National scholarships to help cover the costs of their education. 

Nicholas DeSimpelare received the $5,000 Professional Liability Agents Network Scholarship. DeSimpelare will earn his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University in 2018. He has been working at Eng., Inc. since 2015 analyzing watersheds and storm water conveyance systems for deficiencies and potential improvements. He volunteers his time tutoring and mentoring at-risk youth at St. Vincent's. 

Taylor Wiegand, who received the $2,500 Small Firm Council Scholarship, will graduate in 2018 from Michigan Technological University with a master's degree in environmental engineering. Taylor interned at ACEC member firm OHM Advisors, and she also spent a semester in Oslo, Norway, on a study abroad program. 

   

Click here for complete details on ACEC/M Scholarships.