A Look Ahead – ACECTN Goals
By Ed Hargraves, PE
President, ACEC of Tennessee

 
This is an opportune time to review our recently completed board retreat and briefly discuss the goals that were identified for the 2009-2010 year.

Goal #1: ACEC of Tennessee (ACECTN) must continue to be at the forefront in the effort of promoting qualifications-based selection (QBS). QBS has been the law in Tennessee since 1969 when the legislature passed a requirement that local governments must award engineering and architectural services based on qualifications and experience, not competitive bidding (Tenn. Code Ann. § 121-4-106, which has been amended since that time). ACECTN remains vigilant in promoting the merits of QBS, and also in the education of public officials to the benefits of QBS when necessary.

Goal #2: Attract new members and retain existing members. ACECTN always is proactive in recruiting new members to its organization. During the economic hard times, such as the State of Tennessee is currently experiencing, member firms who are trying to minimize expenses sometimes view their membership dues as an expense that can be eliminated. Because of this we must always try to emphasize the value and the reward of being a member of ACECTN and that the dues paid are a small expense when compared to the value gained.

Goal #3: Standardize the duties of and procedure for the election of officers of the local chapters. A set procedure for elections, definition of duties, and clear guidelines for progression through the elected positions is needed. Having served various positions in a local chapter myself, I feel that this is a very important goal which has for some time needed to be updated and more clearly defined.

In closing, I would like to say that the upcoming year is full of promise as well as challenges. As the economy shows signs of recovery, I am optimistic and look forward to a successful and rewarding year throughout the State of Tennessee.