ACEC WI Travels to DC

Wisconsin Members Travel to DC

Last week was a big week in Washington D.C. for ACEC WI members. We had 30 members from Wisconsin attend the ACEC Annual Convention and Legislative Summit. We heard from several keynote speakers including presidential candidate Chris Christie and  U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

At the Board of Directors meeting on Sunday, two significant milestones occurred. First, John Rathke from Mead & Hunt, wrapped up his two-year term serving on the ACEC National Executive Committee. We are extremely grateful for his commitment to the industry and his dedication and time he was willing to offer.

Also, ACEC WI President & CEO Chris Klein began his one-year term as President of NAECE (National Association of Engineering Council Executives). As NAECE President, Chris will represent the interests of all NAECE executives, ACEC Member Organizations, the ACEC Federation, and our member firms. As President, Chris will also collaborate effectively with ACEC’s staff team in Washington DC and provide strategic counsel to ACEC’s Executive Committee. As President of NAECE, he will also serve one year on ACEC National’s Executive Committee.

The most critical part of the conference came when our members took the Hill to lobby our Wisconsin Congressional delegation. We prioritized asking our elected officials to sign on the R&D Amortization bill, IIJA implementation and remedies to address workforce shortage issues.

We had some great meetings and were able to secure Senator Tammy Baldwin, Rep. Glenn Grothman and Rep. Derrick Van Orden as co-sponsors to H.R.2673 - American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act of 2023. We hope for others to commit soon.

Next year's National Convention will be held May 13-16 in DC so reserve the dates on your calendar and join us out there!