Suppose PEC rented out a nearby infield, invited every kind of engineer to come there—to network, to share knowledge about their work, and to tell their stories about involvement in construction projects—and they came? What kind of conversations would that spark and how much value would so many professionals create for each other and their customers? The PEC welcome mat invites every kind of engineer, such as industrial, mechanical, civil, electrical, environmental, and geological.

All with a hand in construction are invited into the dialogue, plus participation in PEC Knowledge Initiative surveys, live on the PEC Web site. So far more than 900 have come forward and completed the survey on Characteristics of Engineers in Construction, more than 200 have provided valuable information on Interests in Engineering and Construction and more than 60 have taken time to tell their career stories and share best practices.

The biggest value of all of this is that engineers have the same opportunity and good fortune to be in a position to make PEC exactly what they need it, so it serves their interests. Nobody needs to stand outside and shout into the group that they are not included. This is the biggest welcome mat in engineering. Can you imagine the look on everyone’s face when a fellow engineer, identifying himself as mechanical, raised his voice and asked, "Why is everything for the civil engineer?"

Charles McDuff, one of the leaders on the team who created the PEC Knowledge Initiative sent a message that enriches us all and tells us what the PEC Community of Practice is all about.

"As a Civil Engineer I thought I might be able to address your point about NSPE being focused on civil engineering issues and needs. I am relatively new to this organization having joined about three years ago. I joined the organization primarily because, after 35 years as a member of ASCE, I felt about ASCE like you feel about NSPE. I wanted and I have received some unique input from the many talented engineering folks from numerous fields of practice, which are members of NSPE.

"It delights me that these real hands-on practitioners represent the best of what NSPE is all about, regardless of their personal enterprise. Mostly I enjoy working with people engaged in vertical construction. They dig the foundations, build the parking lots, pour the concrete, place the rebar, wire the buildings and parking lot lighting, plan for and install the plumbing, design and build the mechanical systems, and know all there is to know about fire protection, wind loads, seismic protection and roofing. They select and put in place the systems that make buildings, chemical plants, hangars, bomb proof shelters, and ships function well.

"When we come together, whether by e-mail, on the phone, or in meetings, we can't help but notice that we each have a deep respect for each other and for the technical skills, experience and personal friendship that we bring to the table. One of the fine things that I enjoy about the Professional Engineers in Construction (PEC), NSPE Practice area, is the fact that we actually or spiritually have rough hands from the hard work that we have shared in delivering many projects. In addition to our various skills in the assorted disciplines we also bring to the table local construction and engineering design requirements that span the globe.

"I believe that you should get active with us in the PEC. You too can be an "electmechcivstrucplumb" engineer. You can join us in our efforts to better understand and to give positive direction to the many issues we encounter daily, including

• Where are we going with design/build?
• How do we best help young professionals (of any engineering discipline) to become professional engineers and to share a sense of personal ethical conduct?
• How can we deploy effectively the new technologies that call for cross-discipline coordination?

"These and many other issues shape our mutual quest. Would you join us in this endeavor? We would welcome you and be glad to accept the commission to make sure that you are thoroughly enriched by your participation in this organization. Please feel free to give me a call should you have any questions. I have copied a host of friends in PEC so that you and they can get to know each other."

Charles R. McDuff, P.E., CVS, CCE
Raleigh, NC

NSPE's new Legislative Action Center, which encourages political participation by connecting NSPE members to their elected officials. This grassroots Web site allows members to educate themselves on salient legislative issues and to take action by contacting their elected officials. The Web site can also be accessed through the Government Relations Web site. State-specific grassroots Web sites administered by each state society are also in the works.

The site features

• current information on legislation affecting engineers and NSPE’s position on the legislation;
• voting records and "scorecards";
• a means of contacting federal, state, and local elected officials; federal and state agencies; and national and regional media organizations;
• a means of identifying an individual’s federal, state, and local elected officials;
• information on elected officials and candidates for office;
• voter registration forms, information on registering to vote, and election dates; and

• e-mail alerts that can be tailored to users’ geographic region and interest.

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NSPE will host a seminar, Indemnification and Risk Allocation—Reaping the Benefits of the EJCDC Contract Documents, which highlights how EJCDC contract documents help assign responsibility, allocate risk, and establish reasonable and realistic expectations. Find out why EJCDC contract documents offer you the best protection available.

EJCDC contract documents are multi-use, easily downloadable, peer created, and reviewed documents in Microsoft Word. The standard contract documents are balanced and fair, created for the benefit of all parties involved in engineering design and construction projects.

To register for this Web seminar, which will take place October 18 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. E.S.T., visit the NSPE Web site

NSPE and SAME members: $149
Non-member: $189

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Presenters: Zoran Novak, P.E. and Dan Tanksley, P.E.

What does it take to become a successful grassroots lobbyist for local engineering issues? Join two NSPE members who have had success at the local level who will discuss the success they have had using the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers legislative model. Learn how the model lends itself to successful lobbying efforts and how it can enhance the lobbying effectiveness of your state PE society.

For more information and to register, visit the NSPE Web site.

NSPE and SAME members: $149
Non-member: $189

NSPE Fall 2005 Ethics Forum: You Be the Judge
November 2 and December 7 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. E.S.T.

The NSPE Ethics Forum is an opportunity to learn more about engineering ethics and professional practice issues. The fall 2005 series topics include professional competency, conflict of interest, and public health and safety.

For more information and to register, visit the C2Ed Web site.

NSPE and SAME members: $149 each session
Non-members: $189 each session

Interviewing Skills -- What Works? What Doesn't?
RESCHEDULED November 16 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. E.S.T.

Presenter: Barbara Irwin

Are you being asked to interview candidates for positions with your department or organization? Do you fumble over questions, or do you struggle with how to find out if the candidate will have the right skill set for the job or fit the culture of your organization? Do you want some advice and feedback on what works during the interviewing process—both from the interviewer's perspective and the interviewee's perspective?

NSPE and SAME members: $149
Non-member: $189

To sign up, fax in this registration form.

Available On Demand! Did you miss these three great seminars at the NSPE 2005 annual convention? They are now available on-demand 24/7 from NSPE e-learning partner C2Ed.

Developing Trust and Commitment in Project Teams
Presenter - Robert Newbold
$69.95 1.5 PDH

Dispute Avoidance and Resolution
Presented - American Arbitration Association
Panelists: Joseph Broz; Robert Byman, Esq.; Charles Lewis, Esq.; Robert Maitlin, Esq.; Stanley Sklar, Esq.
$69.95 1.5 PDH

Process Safety Management
Presenter - Bruce K. Vaughen, Ph.D., P.E.
$69.95 1.5 PDH

For more information, visit the Education Web site.

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PEC 2005-06 Executive Board Roster

Chair E. Terence Foster, Ph.D., P.E., F.NSPE Omaha, NE	Immediate Past Chair Donn Zang, P.E. West Chester, PA
Chair-Elect Arthur DeWit, P.E. Lake Havasu, AZ	Secretary Leonard "Bud" Darby, P.E. Alexandria, VA
Northeast Region Vice Chair Jon Drosendahl, P.E. Glenshaw, PA	North Central Region Vice Chair James Goedert, Ph.D., P.E. Omaha, NE
Southeast Region Vice Chair James Neff, P.E. Gainesville, FL	Southwest Region Vice Chair Thomas Prag, P.E., CCCA. Tulsa, OK
Central Region Vice Chair Carl Meglan, P.E. Pickney, MI	Western and Pacific Region Vice Chair William Beery, P.E. Hilo, HI
	PEC Staff Liaison Kim Granados tel: 703-684-2857

PEC Homepage

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