The First Word 7/5/23

This past month we had a busy, productive time completing our fiscal year and preparing for another outstanding season for our membership.

We joined our colleagues in the Midwest States Conference in Missouri for fellowship, connection and our annual meeting in what proved a successful session.

A week later, we attended the ACEC National Convention in Washington, D.C.

At the Annual Meeting, there were many beneficial breakout sessions, entertainment and inspiring speakers Annual Convention - ACEC. Additionally, we were able to visit with almost every member of congress/staff as well as our U.S. Senators to share our issues impacting our local member firms.

Special attention was paid to research & development amortization, H.R. 2673 which would remove the 5-year amortization period for research and development. This was met with support and interest within Oklahoma's delegation.

Many thanks to our member firms who sent representatives to ACEC's National Convention. We look forward to next year's meeting and hope to see you there!

Finally, we capped the month off with a fundraising reception for Congressman Frank Lucas, who is supportive of our national initiatives. The event was hosted at EST by Mike Vahabzadegan, many of our board members and member firms were able to attend or send representatives. This was a productive event and appreciated by the Congressman and his staff.

A few Additional Items-

The legislation, authored by Sen. Adam Pugh and Rep. Brian Hill, is designed to break down silos and limit duplication in the current workforce pipeline; ultimately, leading to more direct and efficient completion of education pathways. That means more skilled workers for employers and better paying careers for Oklahomans. Engineering has been identified as a focus for Oklahoma. Workforce Transformation Becomes Law in Oklahoma | Oklahoma State Chamber (okstatechamber.com)

The former Executive Director Brent Kisling abruptly left the department and has been replaced with retired General Hopper Smith. He has an excellent reputation and will do well in the interim. https://quorumcall.online/email/email_01ZP_6NF0OS6W5.htm

Our selection committee recommended and membership approved Rick Bond of Benchmark to serve on our board as Vice Chair - Education & P.R. Hollis Allen has officially served his last year on the board and we are grateful for all of his time, effort and leadership to make a difference for ACEC OKLAHOMA.

Below is Rick's Bio--Welcome Rick!

Back by Popular Demand! Registration for Leadership for Engineers 2023 is now open! You can complete and application here and submit it to info@acecok.org. We will accept three more applicants and the cost is $1,995.

Sessions will take place on the following dates:

Thanks to our wonderful member firm interns who were able to participate in this year's Capitol tour. Great group and great questions.

Special thanks to Trait Thompson who provided the tour and was the head of the capitol improvement effort.