Carey Lykins kicks off a successful Diversity Networking Fair
 
LEFT: Brian Hall, Repro Graphix, speaks with exhibitor Jodi Banton, Shrewsberry, at the 5th Annual Diversity Networking Fair
RIGHT: Carey Lykins, Citizens Energy Group, addresses the crowd of over 170 people.
Carey Lykins, President and CEO of Citizens Energy Group, kicked off ACEC Indiana’s 5th Annual Diversity Networking Fair, addressing an audience of over 30 M/W/D/VBE engineering firms, as well as over 90 representatives of prime firms at the Marriott East on Aug. 17.
Anticipating the go-ahead to manage the city of Indianapolis wastewater/sewers, Lykins touched on the key benefits of the ReBuild Indy program. He noted that it would present an “opportunity to build on the promise to the community” made by the founding fathers of the public trust at its inception, by saving as much as 30 percent in combined water and sewer rates by 2025 through synergies of operations, professional management, and the ability to act like a non-profit entity.
Supplier diversity was a priority of the utility, representing 15 percent of its “spend” in 2009 involving 98 businesses, and growing. Although committed to helping develop M/W/D/VBE firms, Lykins stressed that the focus must be on “bringing value to their customers.” Aware that many of the event’s participating firms want to work with Citizens after the city transfer, he noted that an external advisory committee was being formed to help the utility with its supplier base, and ACEC Indiana has sought to be represented on it. In closing, Lykins stated “our success depends on the community’s success.”
Following Lykins’ address, primes had the opportunity to meet with the M/W/D/VBE exhibiting firms and build upon existing relationships and make new relationships with up and coming firms. The program concluded with Larry Jones, Indianapolis DPW, speaking on the ReBuild Indy initiative.
ACEC Indiana recognizes Consulting Engineer of the Year, President's Award, Board of Directors and Engineering Leadership participants
 
LEFT: President Abe Swidan, P.E., presents the Consulting Engineer of the Year award to Ross Snider, P.E.
RIGHT:
President Abe Swidan, P.E., presents the President's Award to John Farrar, L.S.
 
LEFT: ACEC Indiana 2010-2011 President Roland Salman, P.E. thanks 2009-2010 ACEC President Abe Swidan, P.E., for his service to the association.
RIGHT:
Members of the 2009-2010 Engineering Leadership Class receive their certificates for completion of the 8-day course.
Environmental Business Conference
ACEC Indiana hosted the 5th annual Environmental Business Conference. Over 60 members and a dozen students from Purdue University and Trine University took advantage of the oppportunity to hear from and ask questions to Indiana leaders.
The conference covered Indiana's antidegradation legislative direction; water quality priorities and program update; implementation of antidegradation in Illinois; SRF and stimulus program update; Indianapolis' Sustainability Program; green program; CSOs and long-term control plan implementation and update; and a national update. For full PowerPoint presentations, click below.
 
  
2010 Annual Sponsorship Packages Available
Don’t miss this opportunity to place your company’s name and services before a select
group of buyers. No matter what type of business you are a part of, you can reach your
clients effectively and economically through an ACEC Indiana 2010 Sponsor Package!
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