President's Message

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:00:00 GMT

Fellow Engineers and Friends:

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone was able to enjoy a safe and joyous holiday season. I know that you are fresh and recharged to face an exciting new decade. We had an awesome December Meeting. We toured the Toyota Center and watched the Houston Aeros beat the San Antonio Rampage. Also, Matt Brannen, Brett Pope, Brent Baldwin and the winner, Luis Gonzalez, participated in the Trike Race. A video will be posted on the website for your enjoyment.

As we look back on the past decade and year, we have had many accomplishments in technology, construction and engineering. We also want to remember those who are gone. Most recently, we had the passing of Dr. Jim Sims, who was Houston Branch President in 1960, Texas Section President in 1961 and National President in 1982. He served ASCE and the community with dedication and commitment.

A new year brings New Year’s resolutions. We will continue to strive toward the goals of ASCE. In order to “Facilitate the advancement of technology to enhance quality, knowledge, competitiveness, sustainability, and environmental stewardship”, ASCE – Houston Branch is a sponsor of the Low Impact Design Competition, which is hosted by the Houston Land/Water Sustainability Forum (http://www.houstonlwsforum.org/). The competition will be held January 27, 2010 at the Rice Ballroom. ASCE – Houston Branch will be awarding a prize for the “Green Roadway”, which “incorporates Low Impact Development techniques, reduces impervious cover, promotes infiltration, reduces stormwater pollution through biofiltration or other means, and reduces long term maintenance costs”. Another goal to “Encourage and provide the tools for lifelong learning to aid our members' continued growth throughout their careers” will be met through the Branch Meetings. January will feature Lisa Gregg and Elvia Cardinal, P.E., on the “Regionalization of TxDOT” and February will be a technical tour of IAH with Eric Potts providing an update of IAH. An Ethics seminar on January 22, 2010 will provide another opportunity for continued learning. The Technical Committees are working on seminars for the Spring and Fall. With Engineers’ Week right around the corner, we have an opportunity to highlight our accomplishments and contribution to society and to “Promote professionalism and the profession throughout society to enhance the stature of civil engineers and to influence public policy”.

We will continue to reflect upon our goals to ensure that we meet our members’ needs. Please let me (andrearanft@tscengineering.com) know if you want a specific speaker or seminar. We are here to serve you!

Sincerely,

B. Andrea Cheng Ranft, P.E.

10-Jan-10 7:00 PM

ASCE - Houston Branch - Articles

President's Message