Resource
The past year has been one of strategic focus, deepening connections, and unprecedented challenge for ACEC and the businesses we serve.
We embarked on a new strategic vision to grow the Council into the preeminent thought leader in the built environment. This sweeping mandate encompasses the broad spectrum of firms that supply engineering and affiliated services and reflects the impact of technological innovation and evolving client demands for a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable world.
ACEC has made critical investments across the organization to raise our prominence. We launched the ACEC Research Institute to provide industry- leading research and analysis; grew our political footprint with our Capitol Hill townhouse for PAC events and advocacy meetings; and co-hosted in Las Vegas the first infrastructure forum featuring leading candidates for the presidency, giving us direct access to the most important players at the highest level of American politics.
We also made strides to deepen the connection between our 52 state and metro Member Organizations and the National office. We have implemented immersive training programs for MO staff, expanded educational offerings, and increased our resources for firms in private markets. We are stronger together.
These efforts served the Council well as it responded to the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the pandemic took hold, ACEC seamlessly pivoted to crisis response. We had three goals:
• To ensure engineering was considered essential, ensuring the industry’s viability as the economy ground down;
• To protect our Member Firms’ cash flow and access to federal aid programs; and
• To connect our members to each other and to the critical information needed in an uncertain time.
In record time, ACEC launched our Rescue/Recover/Rebuild education and advocacy program. We held our first virtual Board of Directors meeting, inaugurated a 50-state grassroots lobbying program, presented dozens of free roundtables and educational webinars, and held weekly calls with MO leaders to share information and best practices.
Even though we are now working in a new socially distant, virtual workplace, the Council’s connections have never been stronger.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a tsunami of change that has seemed unrelenting in its scope and effect. But like all crises, it will eventually end. We will survive the pandemic and come out stronger for it. We genuinely believe that when we look back at this year of challenge, we will see ACEC at its best.