With the passing of Secretary Ridley, we end the year with a heavy heart. If you were able to attend his memorial service, it was a testament to the impact his life had on our state and nation. We were very fortunate to have Secretary Ridley, his expertise and he will be sorely missed. You can view an article here that provides a great overview of his life and work. It is a a true testament to a remarkable man.

To honor Secretary Ridley's legacy, in conjunction with the AOGC, a scholarship fund is being established in his name at Oklahoma State University focused on the College of Engineering and Construction management. The goal is to raise $25,000 to establish the fund perpetually, and the primary financial asks are $1,000 and $2,500. If you are interested in participating, please contact me directly.

In December, the Cleveland County District Court found the OTA had violated the state’s Open Meeting Act by using vague wording in agendas for two key meetings that authorized ACCESS projects. Because that ruling invalidated the board’s votes for construction contracts and put the ACCESS program on pause, the agency re-voted on the contracts — approving all of them unanimously. Oklahoma Turnpike Authority corrects Open Meeting violations keeping ACCESS project on pause | KGOU

Despite Senator Inhofe's 11th hour efforts, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) prevented a resolution from passing through the national defense authorization effort.

This was an issue we lobbied heavily on with the support of many of our members, with the support of our federal representatives. Unfortunately, leaders from other states continue to create uncertainty for our industry.

The US Congress begins its next legislative session in early January and we will continue to monitor this situation in hopes of achieving a resolution.

For over 20 years, sending key staff through PSMJ's A/E/C Project Management Bootcamp has been standard practice for engineering firms committed to superior financial results, ecstatic clients, and a winning culture. Smart executives know their most valuable contributors will return with new confidence and new skills to deliver eye-popping profit and project performance. Now ACEC Oklahoma has partnered with PSMJ to bring this breakthrough event to Tulsa, Williams Center Tower 1. You can read more about the bootcamp here.

Where: Williams Center Tower 1. One West 3rd St, First Floor St. Francis Room, Tulsa OK 74103

Register: You can register for the event here.

The Oklahoma Engineering Foundation Annual Campaign has begun. When you give to OEF you support the work of MATHCOUNTS Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Engineering Fair and the Oklahoma Engineering College Scholarship. If you give $25 or more, you will receive an OEF sticker designed to affix to your car, laptop, or water bottle, etc. For more information visit https://oef.org/give.

MATHCOUNTS Oklahoma needs proctors and graders for the upcoming Oklahoma MATHCOUNTS season. Competitions are scheduled throughout the state January 28, February 4, February 11, February 17, and February 25. The state competition is March 4. For more information visit https://oef.org/mathcounts-oklahoma/.

The Oklahoma Engineering Fair is scheduled for February 23. Sponsorships are available. Please contact Jennifer McCollum, Executive Director, for more information at (405) 528-1435 or jennifer@oef.org. 

Congratulations! Thank you, we successfully reached our federal PAC goal. This marks the second year in a row we have reached this milestone. With the legislative session fast approaching, you can always contribute to our state or federal PAC to help us support our industry champions.