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December, 2020
Finally, we bid 2020 farewell! Before we usher this craziness out the door, let me issue one very special thank you for your enduring support and continued involvement in ACECL. The board of governors and staff are excited about the opportunities that await us in 2021. A few predictions:
  • We will finally pass a state gas tax.
  • There will be more federal investment in infrastructure.
  • We will have a summer Deep South convention so plan to meet us in Destin in July!
  • We will expand the Emerging Leaders program to include in-person and virtual educational programming and the class will fill up with a waiting list for 2022!
  • Chapter meetings will return to in-person!
  • Our State Pac will continue to grow and be ready to support candidates in fall 2023!
  • Our membership will continue to be strong and will increase in size and influence.
  • Laws supporting the consulting engineering community will be strengthened.
  • The 2021 ACEC EEA Awards program will have over 15 projects recognized for excellence!

Stay tuned for an exciting 2021!

2020 snapshot in pictures:
ACECL BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING
The ACEC of Louisiana Board Meeting was held December 17, 2020. The next meeting will be held on February 5, 2021
2020 ACECL VIRTUAL BUSINESS FORUM RECAP
ACECL thanks all the participants who participated in the successful 2020 Virtual Business Forum. We received great feedback on the speakers and topics and look forward to building a bigger and better 2021 panel of speakers!
THANK YOU AGAIN 2020 BUSINESS FORUM SPONSORS!!
A LITTLE HOLIDAY CHEER FROM CONGRESS
Click below for an initial summary of key provisions in the economic stimulus and appropriations agreement passed by Congress in December. The good news is that the legislation includes the fix on PPP deductibility that ACEC has been pursuing, with your help, for the past several months. It also includes transportation funding, WRDA, and a number of tax extenders. The individual payments of $2,000 pushed by President Trump has passed the House but faces an uncertain outcome in the Senate.
LAGNIAPPE NEWS
This is certainly not the announcement originally planned for this space and it remains almost incomprehensible. With much sadness we extend our sincerest condolences to the family and constituents of Luke Letlow, who passed away due to complications from COVID19. Luke was recently elected to represent Louisiana's 4th Congressional District but passed away before taking office. The ACEC PAC and several ACECL members supported Luke and we know he would have done a great job on behalf of his district and the state.
ACECL has contracted with Chance McNeely for policy, regulatory and legislative assistance. Chance holds a masters degree in public policy and administration from LSU. He served in executive level positions under two governors and most recently led a statewide trade association. Chance is well known among those in the transportation construction industry and is known for his ability to explain complex issues in a relatable and compelling manner. Please welcome Chance to ACECL. He can be reached at [email protected] or 318-518-5367.
2020 NATIONAL PAC SWEEPSTAKES

Congratulations Sergio Girau for winning the 2020 Cocoderie Fishing Excursion Sweepstakes! We hope you enjoy this great package. And thanks to all who made a contribution to the ACEC national PAC. Although we missed our goal by less than $2,000 (unless you contribute by midnight tonight), I'm hopeful we will once again join the other states in meeting our annual goal in 2021!
AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHTS
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., (NYSE: WMS) (ADS) is a leading manufacturer of high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe, providing a comprehensive suite of water management products and superior drainage solutions for use in infrastructure, commercial, residential, and agriculture applications. Founded in 1966, the company operates a global network of approximately 60 manufacturing plants and 30 distribution centers. In addition to its flagship N-12® pipe, which is made from high-density polyethlyne, ADS manufactures HP Storm and SaniTite® HP pipes from polypropylene resin. The company offers a complete line of fittings and other accessories for storm water management, including StormTech® storm water chambers, Nyloplast® drainage structures, stormwater treatment units, Duraslot® surface drains, INSERTA TEE® lateral connections, and various geotextiles. To learn more about ADS, visit www.ads-pipe.com.

Contact: Rene Daigle, Jr.
S LA Territory Manager
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
Phone: 337-366-5701
Contact: Dale L. Holley
Chief of Operations
  
Established in 1982, BFM Corporation, LLC, Professional Land & Hydrographic Surveying, has provided surveying services to public & private concerns throughout the Gulf Coast, covering all facets of engineering construction, and forensics; topographic, hydrographic, and high-definition laser scanning. The firm is a majority Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) as well as a Hudson Initiative certified Small & Emerging Business and Small Entrepreneurship in Louisiana. To discuss how BFM can help you and your project, on land, sea, and air, please contact us at [email protected] or 504-468-8800.
Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn located in New Orleans provides legal counsel to engineers in transactional and litigation matters. In addition, the firm represents design, management, and other construction industry professionals in professional liability matters. Our professional liability practice includes the assessment and procurement of insurance coverage, lien and bond issues related to construction projects, insurance coverage disputes, and professional liability litigation. For more information, please contact Dan Caruso at [email protected].  

Daniel Caruso, Partner
1100 Poydras Street, 30th Floor
New Orleans, LA 70163
Tel: 504-569-2926
EEA 2020 AWARDS CEREMONY SAVE THE DATE
Rescheduled due to COVID19
ACECL FIRMS RECEIVE NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Postponed from earlier this year due to COVID19, the ACEC national 2020 EEA Awards ceremony was held virtually on December 1, 2020. Congratulations to the firms and projects nationally recognized!
TRC Engineers
I-49 North, Segment K
Forte & Tablada, Inc.
Sunshine Bridge Emergency Repair
C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, Inc.
SASOL USA Mega Project
T. Baker Smith, LLC
Pump Station Monitoring System
GeoEngineers, Inc./Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc.
Caillou Lake Headlands
C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, Inc.
U.S. 90 (I-49 South)
Digital Engineering and Imaging, Inc.
Bogue Falaya Shoreline Protection & Paddlers Launch
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Construction on Deepwater Port Off Cameron Parish Coast could start in Q4 of 2021.
Click here for article
DOTD gets approval for P3 for I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project. Click here for press release.
ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP
NEW YEAR - NEW WAYS TO PUT YOUR COMPANY
2021 ANNUAL SPONSOR PACKAGES
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Louisiana is excited about the dynamic program of events planned for 2021 and would like to present your firm with new opportunities to have year-round exposure to ACECL members and the A/E/C industry by becoming a 2021 Annual Sponsor.
PLATINUM
ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP
$5,000

● ACECL Fall Conference Gold Sponsor (recognition on event promotional materials, signage & 1 complimentary registration)

● Engineering Excellence Awards Gala Gold Sponsor (recognition on event promotional materials, signage & 2 complimentary event tickets)

● Critical Issues Summit ACECL Conference Sponsor (recognition on event promotional materials & signage)

●Company logo on ACEC of Louisiana’s website homepage

Company logo in ACECL’s monthly electronic newsletter

● Banner signage at ALL premier events, including Chapter meetings across the State

●4 complimentary ACECL Chapter Luncheon vouchers
ANNUAL
SPONSORSHIP
$2,000

●Company logo on ACEC of Louisiana’s website homepage

●Company logo in ACECL’s monthly electronic newsletter

● Banner signage at ALL premier events, including Chapter meetings across the State

● 4 complimentary ACECL Chapter Luncheon vouchers

●1 complimentary 2021 ACECL Fall Conference Registration
Contact: [email protected] or call (225) 927-7704
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
  • January 6, 2021 - ACECL Membership Committee
  • January 11, 2021 - Baton Rouge Chapter Meeting
  • January 14, 2021 - ACECL Transportation Committee
  • January 20, 2021 - Lake Charles Chapter Meeting
  • February 5, 2021 - Board of Governors Meeting
  • February 11, 2021 - New Orleans Chapter Meeting
  • March 3-4, 2021 - Critical Issues Summit (VIRTUAL)
Thank You to our 2020 Sponsors!
Doreen Brasseaux
President & CEO
ACEC of Louisiana
ACEC of Louisiana | 225.927.7704 | [email protected] | www.acecl.org