Adam B. Jones
Happy Holidays, everyone! The calendar year is ending, and its time to make those resolutions and try to make them last.
The end of the year has become a busy time. SCSPE made the most of the last few months of the year. We hosted the Fall Symposium in two cities, participated in nominating SC Board of Registration members, and traveled all around our fine state speaking with legislators in their home districts with hopes of getting our legislation moving quickly in the new year.
We end the calendar year on the right track. SCSPE has been working hard trying to meet our mission. As you may know, SCSPE developed a three year Strategic Plan that is already being implemented.
Though we expect opposition, both the ACEC-SC and SCSPE Boards of Directors have considered the Practice Act and have concluded the section on Qualification Based Selection should remain as it was introduced last year. We also face a hard fight this session on keeping the term Engineer protected. We’re working on compromise language to have as a backup as this battle heats up. ACEC-SC & SCSPE Board of Directors have also decided to oppose Senate Bill S. 408, which deals with procurement of piping materials. We’ll need all of your help to move this through the legislature, so please answer our calls to action.
Though the Governor always declares SC Engineers week for us, this year SCSPE asked Representative Kenny Bingham, PE, and Senator Shane Martin, to declare February 24, 2016 SC Engineers Day, so mark your calendar and consider coming to the State House to be recognized. While we’re speaking of coming to the State House, Joe Jones and I are asking engineers to join us every Wednesday at the State House during the legislative session. This is pretty painless; we will call out your legislators and talk to them about our issues, and then try to see everyone on the House and Senate Labor Commerce and Industry Committee. We’ll even take you to lunch afterwards.
The SCSPE Educational Foundation is making its annual request for contributions. You may have seen the Public Service Announcement by Secretary of State Mark Hammond saying, “Give from the heart, but give wisely.” The Educational Foundation should be close to engineers’ hearts, and it is a wise choice. The contribution is tax deductible and it provides scholarships to rising juniors and seniors enrolled in one of South Carolina’s ABET engineering colleges and supports the state MathCounts competition.
Don’t forget the Legislative Reception, Jan. 19, 2016 at the Palmetto Club in Columbia. This year’s reception is hosted by SCSPE, ACEC-SC, ASCE-SC, AIA-SC and Carolinas AGC. It begins at 6 p.m. Come enjoy the food, the company and spend some time with your House member and your Senator
Happy Holidays and may you have good and productive New Year.