President Update

February 2022 | Todd Kinney, pe

During the week of January 17th I had the opportunity to travel to Brainerd, Minnesota and join the Minnesota County Engineer’s at their Annual Conference. The Minnesota County Engineers Association (MCEA) has long been one of our 100% States and a vital supporter of NACE both financially and from a leadership standpoint. 

The trip to Brainerd was a bit of reunion of sorts for me having attended the MCEA Annual Conference in 2012 as the Iowa County Engineer’s Association President.   I truly enjoyed the opportunity to attend the conference this year and re-connect with the people I met 10 years ago.  The MCEA is a wonderful organization with outstanding members. I want to thank MCEA for their hospitality and their unwavering support of NACE.

Many NACE members attended the NACo Legislative Conference earlier this month.  Over the past few years, NACE has taken advantage of this conference to meet with federal agencies to discuss our legislative priorities.  The NACE Executive Committee met with the Special Assistant in the Office of Governmental Affairs (U.S.DOT) on February 11th to discuss the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law and its future implementation and guidelines. The NACE Executive Committee along with Lancaster County Engineer Pam Dingman (Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair), also met with FEMA representatives to introduce ourselves and offer our assistance to help all parties involved in disaster recovery efforts.  Both meetings were well received by all parties and accomplished our goal of putting NACE out there as a resource for federal agencies to help guide rulemaking and legislation.  One of the tasks that came out of our meeting with FEMA was a request from them asking for specific examples of issues, concerns and problems that our members have experienced over the years working on federally declared disasters.  If you have any examples you wish to share please email NACE staff or Pam Dingman. 

The NACE Executive Committee held its monthly meeting on February 11th as well. The Strategic Plan was discussed in detail and a revision has been drafted for consideration by the Executive Committee at the next meeting.  The NACE Policy Manual will also be reviewed by the Executive Committee at upcoming meetings. 

NACE continues to move full steam ahead in preparation and planning for our Annual Conference in Buffalo, New York.  This will be our first in-person conference in three years!  If you haven’t registered yet please consider attending the conference and getting the opportunity to get together with your colleagues at a very unique and picturesque location.  I am pleased to report that our delegate registration is stronger than previous years this far out from the conference.  Don’t miss out!

I am continually inspired by the passion and dedication shown by our members as they strive to deliver their services to the public.  I firmly believe the strength of our organization is our members.  Thank you for your commitment and for your efforts in your communities.  I hope to see everyone in Buffalo!!!!