Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Engineering Advocacy in Minnesota
Founded in 1949, the Acec MN (ACEC/MN) serves as a vital advocate for consulting engineering firms across the state. Our mission focuses on advancing the engineering business through strategic advocacy, comprehensive business resources, and robust leadership development programs. With over 125 member companies and 7,500 employees, we represent firms that deliver critical infrastructure solutions to federal, state, and local governments, private industry, and the public. As a member of the national American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), we connect Minnesota's engineering community with a nationwide network of over 600,000 professionals. Our organization plays a pivotal role in shaping public policy, promoting industry standards, and ensuring engineering excellence in projects ranging from transportation systems to environmental restoration.We maintain a strong commitment to public welfare by supporting engineers who uphold rigorous professional ethics and technical excellence. Through our advocacy efforts, we work to create favorable conditions for engineering firms to thrive while delivering value to clients and communities. Our leadership development initiatives cultivate the next generation of engineering professionals, ensuring sustained growth and innovation in the industry. By fostering collaboration among member firms and stakeholders, we strengthen Minnesota's engineering sector and its contributions to regional development.
Services
Advocacy Services
Business Resources
Leadership Development
Member Networking
Engineering Excellence Awards
Details
- Year established: 1949
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1949, we offer decades of experience in engineering advocacy
- We represent over 125 member companies, fostering collaboration and growth
- Our advocacy efforts shape favorable conditions for engineering businesses
- We provide specialized business resources tailored to engineering firms
- Our leadership development programs cultivate industry professionals
Services
Advocacy Services
We advocate for consulting engineering firms at state and federal levels, shaping legislation and regulations that impact the engineering industry. Our team works with policymakers to create favorable business conditions while maintaining engineering excellence standards. This service ensures member firms have a strong voice in decisions affecting their operations and project opportunities.
Business Resources
We provide specialized resources to help engineering firms navigate business challenges, including market analysis, operational guidance, and industry best practices. Our resources help firms improve competitiveness, streamline operations, and adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining technical excellence in engineering projects.
Leadership Development
Our programs develop future engineering leaders through training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We offer structured development paths that enhance leadership skills while maintaining technical expertise. This service ensures the engineering profession continues to evolve with capable, forward-thinking leaders.
Member Networking
We facilitate connections between engineering firms, government agencies, and private sector partners through events and collaborative platforms. Our networking opportunities help members build relationships, share knowledge, and identify partnership opportunities while advancing the engineering profession's collective interests.
Engineering Excellence Awards
We recognize outstanding engineering achievements through our annual awards program, highlighting innovative projects that demonstrate technical excellence. This service promotes best practices, celebrates industry achievements, and raises public awareness about engineering's impact on communities while encouraging continuous improvement in engineering standards.
People
John Krapek
Director of Outreach & State Government Affairs
John Krapek leads outreach and government affairs initiatives, connecting engineering firms with policymakers to shape favorable industry conditions while maintaining technical excellence standards.
Kelly Smeltzer
Director of Operations and Membership
Kelly Smeltzer manages operations and membership services, ensuring efficient organizational functioning while supporting member firms' growth and development needs.
Taylor Pearson
Foundation Program Coordinator
Taylor Pearson coordinates foundation programs, developing initiatives that support engineering education and professional development while maintaining industry standards.
Bill Forsmark
Chair
Bill Forsmark serves as Board Chair, providing strategic leadership for Barr Engineering Co. while guiding ACEC/MN's advocacy efforts and industry initiatives.
Bob Moore
Chair-Elect
Bob Moore acts as Chair-Elect for SRF Consulting Group, preparing to lead ACEC/MN's strategic direction while representing member firms' interests.
Questions
What is ACEC/MN's primary mission?
We advocate for consulting engineering firms, provide business resources, and develop industry leadership to strengthen Minnesota's engineering sector.
How does ACEC/MN support engineering firms?
Through policy advocacy, business resources, leadership development, networking opportunities, and recognition of engineering excellence.
What benefits do member firms receive?
Members gain advocacy representation, business resources, networking opportunities, professional development programs, and industry recognition.
How can engineering firms join ACEC/MN?
Firms can apply through our online membership portal, gaining access to resources and representation after completing the membership process.
What types of engineering projects do member firms handle?
Member firms work on infrastructure projects including transportation systems, buildings, environmental restoration, energy systems, and public works.
Does ACEC/MN offer professional development programs?
Yes, we provide leadership development programs and networking opportunities to cultivate the next generation of engineering professionals.
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