ACEC wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy 2008. Merry Christmas!

ACEC/PAC Goal Line Crossed By Michigan, South Dakota, Hawaii, Idaho, Delaware, Iowa; More States Close Behind Six more State Member Organizations achieved their ACEC/PAC fundraising goals this week, bringing to 23 the rapidly growing number of Member Organizations meeting their PAC targets. At least nine more are expected to cross the finish line before year's end—giving ACEC its strongest finish yet for states making their PAC numbers. Total giving is expected to exceed well beyond $500,000.

Michigan ACEC/PAC Champion Dan Fredendall: "One small contribution generates big returns." Michigan Says ACEC/PAC Is "Great Investment" "Giving to ACEC/PAC is a great investment in our businesses," said ACEC/PAC Champion of Michigan Dan Fredendall of Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment. "I see firsthand how we use ACEC/PAC to keep good people in Congress. It's amazing how one person's small contribution to the PAC can generate big returns for the entire industry." Michigan's successful 2007 campaign represents the fourth consecutive year that the Great Lakes State has hit its PAC goal. Fredendall and Executive Director Ron Brenke enlisted the help of the state's leadership to reach out to the members for donations.

South Dakota ACEC/PAC Champion Dennis Micko: "ACEC/PAC exists to work for our industry." South Dakota And Hawaii Say ACEC/PAC "Protects Our Industry" The "team" approach also worked for South Dakota and Hawaii. ACEC/PAC South Dakota Champion Dennis Micko of Banner Associates worked closely with President Monty Miller of Sayre Associates, National Director Dan Eisenbraun of Eisenbraun and Associates, former President & National Director Dave Berg of West Plains Engineering and Executive Director Gail Boddicker to put the state in the winner's circle again this year. "Actions in Washington affect us all, which is why we need a well-funded PAC," said Micko. "ACEC/PAC protects our industry. We need to be aggressive in looking out for our interests, because no one else will."

Hawaii ACEC/PAC Champion David Bills: "ACEC/PAC shapes policymaking arena for our industry." Hawaii ACEC/PAC Champion David Bills of Bills Engineering Inc. said that Aloha State members see the benefits of a strong national advocacy program. "Federal policies affect us all, even more so in Hawaii because of the substantial presence of federal agencies," said Bills. "Because of this, we see very clearly the important role ACEC/PAC plays in helping to shape the policymaking arena for our industry." Bills credited the broad support from ACEC/Hawaii members, including Executive Director Ginny Wright and the MO leaders, in getting the state to its goal again.

Idaho, Delaware, Iowa Value "Strong Political Program", Win First Time Honors Idaho ACEC/PAC Champion Dick Jacobson: "Made the decision to get it done." The fundraising effort in Idaho, led by ACEC/PAC Champion Dick Jacobson of CH2M HILL, President Rex Hansen of American Geotechnics Inc. and Executive Director Teri Ottens, put the Gem State over the goal line for the first time. "We made the decision that we were going to get it done this year," said Jacobson. "I'm really proud of the way that Teri and the whole leadership team and membership rallied to get us over the top." Added Ottens: "We hit our ACEC/PAC goal by pulling together. This is something every state can do and should do."

Delaware ACEC/PAC Champion Jeffrey Bross: "People see the value of a strong political advocacy program." 2007 was also a good year for the First State. Delaware ACEC/PAC Champion Jeffrey Bross of Duffield Associates and Executive Director Mike Karia seized on the opportunity to hit their goal with a late-year fundraising drive that attracted broad support from across the state. "We started with a solid base of support from Delaware members earlier in the year, and quickly realized that a good fall fundraising drive could get us over the top," said Bross. "Once we started doing outreach, the effort caught on quickly—people really see the value of a strong national political advocacy program."

ACEC Vice Chairman Gregs Thomopulos: "When ACEC wins, we all win." In Iowa, ACEC Vice Chairman Gregs Thomopulos of Stanley Consultants and Executive Director Dave Scott drew on strong support from ACEC/Iowa President Fouad K. Daoud of WHKS & Co. and his Board to propel the state into the winner's circle for the first time. "Everyone pitched in to help, because we all have a stake in the success of ACEC's political and advocacy efforts," said Thomopulos. "When ACEC wins, we all win." For more information about ACEC/PAC and how to contribute, contact ACEC's Executive Director of Political Affairs, Greg Knopp at 202-347-7474 or gknopp@acec.org.

President Bush Signs Energy Package The President signed into law this week the Energy Independence and Security Act, which increases corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020—the first congressional increase in 32 years—and requires that refineries produce ethanol and biofuels in increasing amounts, reaching 36 billion gallons by 2022. The bill authorizes $2 billion annually for a new Energy Efficiency Block Grant Program for states and large local governments to improve energy efficiency, including hiring technical consultants, conducting energy audits, and developing conservation programs. A set of newly-enacted provisions have the potential to bring additional business opportunities to engineering firms. For example, the Department of Energy is required under the bill to set progressively more stringent efficiency standards for buildings, homes, appliances and lighting. DOE is given the authority to create new regional energy use standards for furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners, and requires federal buildings to gradually reduce energy usage. The "Smart Grid" program—with a goal of modernizing electricity infrastructure to increase efficiency and reduce peak power usage—will also provide a 20 percent grant program for utilities to upgrade their systems. For more information, contact Diane Shea, Director of Environmental and Energy Programs at 202-347-7474.

Popular Small Firm Council Winter Meeting Heads To Austin, Texas The Small Firm Council (SFC) Winter Meeting and Principals Seminar is scheduled for January 25-26 in Austin, Texas. The SFC Winter Meeting, which has rapidly become a favorite among small firm owners, provides a forum for owners to discuss topics and receive feedback regarding specific business challenges faced by small firms. This year, the SFC is kicking off the meeting with a one-day seminar titled "Strategic Planning: the Art and Science of Ensuring Success" that will be led by Scott Braley of Braley Consulting & Training. The popular CEO Roundtable Discussion will be the feature during the second day of the meeting. "The tailored seminars are an ideal fit for small firm principals, who need insights and practical techniques that they can implement immediately," says SFC Chairman Gregg Ten Eyck. Click here for more information about the SFC Winter Meeting, or contact Roger Jordan at 202-347-7474 or rjordan@acec.org.

Sign Up Now For ACEC's 2008-2009 National Committees ACEC members are encouraged to sign up for service on ACEC National committees for the annual term beginning at ACEC's Spring Convention in April 2008. Participation on ACEC committees brings vitality to the Council and ensures that the issues and interests of members are brought into Council operations. Most of ACEC's committees are "open" (i.e., sign up and you're on!). A few require appointment by the incoming ACEC chairman, so register to request an appointment. Open and appointive committees are listed below. Be sure to share this information with colleagues and encourage them to volunteer as well—remember, ACEC committee membership is open to all employees of ACEC member firms. Click here to view Committee goals or to apply (even if you currently serve on a committee and wish to continue). Committee applications are due January 11, 2008.

Open Committees Contract Documents Committee Environment & Energy Committee Federal Agencies & Procurement    Advocacy Committee Institute for Business    Management Committee Peer Review Sub-Committee* SEI Alumni Committee** International Committee Management Practices    Committee Association Partners    Sub-Committee Licensure Sub-Committee Quality Sub-Committee Membership Committee Public Relations Committee Risk Management Committee Tax and Regulatory Affairs    Committee Transportation Committee

Appointive Committees Engineering Excellence Awards    Committee Planning Cabinet Conference Curriculum    Sub-Committee Professional Conduct Committee Bylaws & Procedures Committee ACEC/AASHTO Joint Committee Tellers Committee *Must be employees of Peer Reviewed firms. **Must be SEI Alumni

The American Council of Engineering Companies 1015 15th St., NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20005-2605 Phone: 202-347-7474 - Fax: 202-898-0068 www.acec.org - E-mail:acec@acec.org Alan D. Crockett, Director, PR • Ann Brandstadter, Editor/Designer