Elections are now complete and we have 44 new legislators, 43 new Michigan House members and 1 new Senator. 

We will also have new House leadership for the 99th Michigan legislature including:

 

Rep. Tom Leonard                      Speaker of the House

Rep. Dan Lauwers                      Majority Floor Leader

Rep. Lee Chatfield                      Speaker Pro Tempore

 

Rep. Sam Singh                           Minority Leader

Rep. Christine Greig                   Minority Floor Leader

 

Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) legislation is  scheduled for a hearing in the House Local Government Committee for December 7, however the bills will most likely need to be re-introduced in the new session. Design professionals continue to work on support for the Certificate of Merit bill and on developing language to improve Michigan's Lien Laws for design professionals.

 

Architects-Engineers-Surveyors Legislative Day is scheduled for March 7 and will provide an opportunity for design professionals to meet with legislators and share important issues to the engineering community. Legislative meet and greets are also being scheduled in January and February in various parts of the State.

MDOT-ACEC Partnering Workshop Scheduled

February 2, 2017 in Lansing 

Each year representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and from ACEC/Michigan come together in Lansing to host a partnering workshop. The purpose of the event is to reinforce the principles contained in the MDOT-ACEC Partnership Charter through information sharing, problem solving and teamwork.

A multitude of educational breakout sessions are offered that are specific to current issues affecting the DOT and consulting engineers. In addition, the winner of 2016 MDOT/ACEC Partnership Charter Award will be announced! 

The conference is the largest gathering of state transportation and consultant engineering professionals, creating a perfect opportunity for endless networking.

Mark your calendar now for this event, scheduled for February 2, 2017 at the Lansing Center. Details and registration information will be available in December.

ACEC Scholarship Raffle 

Exciting New Prizes This Year!

Tickets for ACEC/M Scholarship Committee's annual raffle are now available! We have added exciting new prizes this year, including: 

 

1.       Florida Vacation - One week stay at a beautiful two bedroom, ocean front view princess condominium on Hutchinson Island. *Travel expense not included. Value: $2,500. Sponsor: Testing Engineers & Consultants and John & Kathy Banicki

 

2.       Winter Getaway - One week stay at Beaver Creek, Ridge Point Subdivision townhome. Enjoy one of America's best skiing locations, only moments from your doorstep. Available Week: 11/25/2017 - 12/03/2017. *Travel expense not included. Value: $2,500. Sponsor: Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton

 

3.       Mackinac Bridge Tower Tour - The tour will take two people to the top of the north or south tower to view and photograph the beautiful straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge.  Valid May 1 - October 15, 2017. Sponsor: Mackinac Bridge Authority/MDOT

 

4.       Great Wolf Lodge Getaway - Enjoy a two night stay at the massive indoor water park!  Sponsor: Prein&Newhof

 

5.       Grand Traverse Resorts - $500 gift card to use on discounted rates for a golf or spa weekend. Sponsor: SME

 

6.       Diamond Earrings - $500 value. Sponsor: PCIA.

 

7.       Cabela's Gift Card - $500 value. Sponsor: HRC.

 

This is the only annual fundraising event for the ACEC Scholarship Program. Proceeds from the raffle go directly to supporting scholarships for college students pursuing a career in engineering or surveying. Your contributions make it possible for us to provide substantial financial support to these hardworking students.

 

Tickets are $25 each, or 5 tickets for $100, and only a limited number of tickets are printed (odds of winning are good!). If you are able to support our efforts, please visit the ACEC/M website for full details and ordering information. T he winning tickets will be drawn at the ACEC/M Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Gala on March 11, 2017 at The Fillmore Detroit.  You need not be present at the Gala to win. 

 

ACEC/Michigan is planning to award $10,000+ to engineering and surveying students enrolled in an ABET accredited College or University. Applications are now available on the ACEC/M website,  and are due to ACEC by January 6, 2017. Applicants will be judged on a written essay, their work experience, employer/faculty recommendations, community involvement and their GPA.

ACEC Hosting PSMJ Project Management Bootcamp

January 19-20, 2017 in Lansing

ACEC/Michigan will host the popular PSMJ Project Management Bootcamp at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West on January 19 and 20, 2017. 

Attendees will walk away with effective, actionable techniques from today's most successful PMs. Every bootcamp is designed to compress a wealth of knowledge and insight gained from decades of real-world PM experience into two information-packed days. These are the must-have techniques of today's most successful project managers - highly practical advice you'll find plenty of opportunities to apply immediately upon your return to the office. Another bonus: Discounted registration fees for ACEC/Michigan members and for multiple attendees.

Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on January 19 and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on January 20. Visit the ACEC/M website for additional information. 

ACEC Welcomes New Members!

ACEC is excited to welcome these new member firms: 

• ISCO (Affiliate)
• Metro Consulting Associates

Michigan Infrastructure Conference

Coming to Grand Rapids in May 2017

This popular conference, jointly hosted by  the American Co uncil of E ngineering Compani es (ACEC) of Michigan and the Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), will be held at the Amway Grand Hotel. 

 

Further details to come, but mark your calendars for May 18, 2017 now!