Among the many Council operations that have been impacted by COVID-19, few have adapted to the pandemic’s restrictions as well as ACEC/PAC.
Traditional and successful ACEC/PAC fundraising occasions—such as in-person events at the Annual Convention and Fall Conference, sweepstakes drawings, themed receptions, and the new, popular Pinewood Rally—had to be put on hold. Also affected were fundraising efforts at the state level such as golf outings, sweepstakes drawings, raffles, and auctions.
Since April, State Organization executives, along with PAC Champions throughout the nation, have frequently conducted virtual meetings to develop innovative PAC fundraising campaigns, all to continue progress in meeting the over $1 million national goal.
The results have been impressive, highlighted by a summerlong “World’s Largest Golf Tournamentâ€â€”where ACEC members play golf, network with colleagues, and compete for prizes.
Also held were a PAC Walk for Infrastructure, with a photo contest for Best in Wildlife, Landscape, and Distressed Infrastructure, in addition to virtual online raffles, cooking shows, whiskey clubs, trivia competitions, and a virtual “dialing for dollars.â€
It shows that support for ACEC/PAC—the Council’s primary tool for political engagement—has remained strong, despite challenges of the new normal.
Our Engineering Inc. cover feature provides expert analysis of the voter categories that will largely determine the outcome of the upcoming presidential election (see page 14). Also included are a profile of Member Firm owners who are women (see page 24) and a report on how to keep your firm’s business health strong throughout the recession (see page 20).
We have a fantastic lineup of speakers and business management education options in store for viewers of the Council’s first-ever virtual 2020 Fall Conference (Oct. 28–30). That will be followed a few weeks later by the virtual 2020 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala, on Dec. 1.
Looking forward to seeing you, virtually of course.
Charles J. Gozdziewski
ACEC Chairman
Linda Bauer Darr
ACEC President & CEO