In last month's column, I discussed a letter that was being drafted to send to government leaders. Please look for it elsewhere in this newsletter. To build on that effort, the Board is making plans to testify before appropriate committees and/or the houses of the legislature. We feel it is important to keep the momentum going and to become experienced in presenting professional issues in the political forum. If you have experience and/or an interest, please give me a call (see "Section Officers" block in this newsletter for the phone number).

The Puget Sound Engineering Council (PSEC) is an umbrella organization for engineering organizations of which the Section is a member. Board Director Shannon Kinsella is our link to that group. Among the activities they promote is the the Engineers' Week Fair which they coordinate and produce. The Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition is one of the contests that takes place at the fair. Our own Associate Member Forum (AMF) (for civil engineers 35 and younger) promotes and coordinates this activity and gets corporate sponsorship to cover their costs, including prizes. The AMF invests much energy and time to support this endeavor. AMF described the school visits and competition in last month's newsletter. At the Engineers' Fair, bridges are judged on multiple criteria--often there is an aesthetics award--then crushed. A panel of experts then examines the bridge with the students and explains the reason(s) for failure. Sound like fun? This event grows in popularity every year and has been covered by the media. The AMF needs volunteers; call them (see Section Officers). The Washington State Engineering, Science & Technology Fair (as it is formally called) has a new venue this year--the Crossroads Mall in Bellevue (disregard earlier publicity regarding the Seattle Center venue). At press time, it was slated for Saturday and Sunday, February 26/27 from 10 AM to 4 PM. The bridge contest is Saturday; but ASCE will have a booth and we need volunteers to staff it. Call Vice President Ron Leimkuhler to help out.

In conjunction with Engineer's Week, PSEC holds a festive banquet. See article 2000 Engineer’s Banquet for details.

By Susan Gardner

Dear Governor Locke:

The Board of the Seattle Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) would like to voice our support for continued funding priorities for transportation services and infrastructure investments. Infrastructure replacement, renewal and expansion must continue. Our local ASCE membership of 2,400 joins many other professional organizations in voicing our expectations that the I-695 induced funding shortfall must be rectified.

ASCE is a professional organization representing more than 123,000 civil engineers worldwide. We plan, design, build and operate much of the public and private physical infrastructure that supports the functions of society. This includes our roads, bridges, dams, airports, water supply and waste systems.

An infrastructure backlog has turned into an infrastructure backslide by bringing much-needed transportation improvements virtually to a halt. This will handicap community and state economic development, and decrease mobility. The immediate impact will be on transportation—from local streets to highways, from public transportation to freight mobility. Current service levels will be reduced for transportation operations and maintenance, and public safety. Many infrastructure improvements will be delayed or cancelled, including many portions of the critically needed FAST Corridor Project.

It is clear that we must maintain essential services for the public’s safety and welfare, but we must also look ahead to the future of the region. Our economic progress has been built on the foundation of prudent investments made over many years. This has resulted in many successes and a number of challenges:

• In the area of foreign trade, the Seattle/Bellevue/Everett area is the nation’s leader in exports by dollar value-$34B of dollar value in 1998. We must maintain and sustain this national competitiveness.
• We must support the productivity and sales of both large firms, like Boeing and Microsoft, as well as the thousands of small and mid-level firms that form the diversity of our local economy.
• Small businesses, which have travel as a component of their service (i.e., plumbers, couriers, etc.) must also factor traffic congestion into their costs and schedules.
• We face the double-edged sword of the railroad industry’s growth in the Puget Sound Region and the widespread problem of increasing railroad crossing street blockages.
• The region’s traffic problems are notorious-- for residents and visitors alike. For example there is the oft-quoted fact that we have the 6^th, or worse traffic congestion in the country. Our highways and bridges cannot keep pace with the growth in travel.

ASCE supports and strongly encourages timely decision making and action in the 2000 Legislative Session. If we cannot reverse the effects of the passage of I-695, we will certainly bear these impacts:

1. Even though our private sector economic activity is very strong, we will begin to lose momentum. Without government action and funded improvements, our economic health will surely degrade.
2. The funding shortfall will force a loss of people capital and cause further delays in government processes.
3. Without adequate funding, we will not be able to improve the environment; for example, we will fail to achieve the expectations of the Endangered Species Act.

We recognize that I-695 was not a vote against transportation and public works. We implore our leaders and decision-makers to assign budget priority to enabling solutions, such as installing new funding mechanisms at the local, regional and state levels. Through your actions, infrastructure investments can maintain the health of our state economy. We encourage your ardent leadership in managing our transportation and infrastructure crisis.

Very truly yours,

Susan Gardner, P.E.

Jon Magnuson of Skilling Ward Magnuson Barkshire, Inc. (SWMB) spoke about behind the scenes management stories rather than projects because he sees projects more as a continuum. He gave a brief history of the firm and spoke about some of the events that have made SWMB a success. SWMB believes the firm was started in 1923 but is not certain. The firm has had various names over the years as different owners have been involved. In 1970, it was Skilling, Helle, Christiansen, Robertson.

During the Depression years, Harold Worthington was the manager of the office. Most engineering firms struggled during those years and the firm had to minimize waste. To save money, Harold patrolled the garbage cans to make sure employees made use of their pencil extenders. He required that an engineer get six beam designs on a page of paper, which was divided down the center. A sheet with less than six beams meant the engineer was not very efficient. Coffee breaks were done with a wheeled cart that brought the coffee out. Harold helped get the firm through the Depression.

In the 1950’s, they hired four bright young engineers, John Skilling, Helge Helle, Jack Christiansen, and Les Robertson. The firm has now worked in 43 states and 23 countries. Design of the World Trade Center Towers was the firm’s turning point. It has become the company’s icon project. There were seven New York City firms and one Seattle firm competing for the NYC Port Authority project. The New York City firms were surprised when the Port Authority of NYC selected the Seattle firm. This was the first building designed with wind tunnel tests to determine the human tolerance for building motion. The firm tested people’s comfort levels with respect to building sway and developed acceleration tolerances that are now used throughout the world. Jon told an interesting story about how they tested the comfort levels but you will have to ask him about it next time you see him. The finished World Trade Center has accelerometers on the roof to record strong accelerations. The bomb blast at the building a few years ago was undetected by the instruments because resultant forces at the roof were small compared to strong winds.

Jon spoke a bit about the technological history and future. John Skilling liked technology and often used leading edge technological equipment. A magazine article written about the firm read "John Skilling uses the computer in his work to draw buildings." This was well before the advent of computer automated drafting. Also, the computer had 16k of memory and took three hours to analyze a frame with 125 members (now it takes less than a second). The firm was one of the first engineering firms to own an IBM mainframe computer. It took up a whole room and had 1.2 gigabytes of memory. Today, the company owns 1.15 computers per employee. Improvements in technology will be a continuing trend.

The use of communication technologies will also be increasing. They once had a telecopier that transmitted a page in 12 minutes. Their first FAX machine cost $3500 and wasn’t very useful until other firms/clients bought one for the other end of the line. Today, the have internet smart FAX that can send a FAX around the world on the internet without even paying for a phone call. Drawings are routinely transferred through FTP sites. E-mail will soon be archaic. We will send video file messages using voice recognition software without having to type a message or touch a mouse. They used video conferencing in the design of the Seahawks Stadium to have real time meetings with people in Kansas City as easily as they would in the same room. Information management technology is coming to virtual libraries. In the design of the new Seattle Public Library, they had to discuss whether books will have a place in the future and decide how to use technology in the new library. Books will be meaningless to practicing engineers in ten years. Engineering firms deal in knowledge and finding the correct solutions to problems and knowing what questions to ask. Expertise and automated expert systems will be used to help engineers get to the core information they need.

Jon also spoke about cultural changes and shared some of his thoughts about the way firms work. Two years ago, SWMB made a change from the typical office cubicle layout for one of their floors (they have two floors in their office). Instead of a couple of main aisles with adjacent cubicles running along each side like houses, they have a main "street" with cul-de-sacs that accommodate six people. The layout was designed to use the office space more efficiently but SWMB realized other benefits. SWMB has a series of different types of furniture that each work group (cul-de-sac) can arrange the way they want. This allows the employees to have control over their work group and be part of a team. SWMB believes and emphasizes that engineering is a team sport. SWMB has also found that overhearing conversations is valuable for less experienced individuals. Engineers now like this arrangement better for training, managing, interaction, and socializing. SWMB may change their main floor to this layout as well. The best training method is having an experience-young engineer sit by an experience-old engineer for six months and learn how to be an engineer.

Jon also spoke about the human resource side of the business. He perceives that the engineering shortage will continue. Enrollments in engineering schools are down. Also, for SWMB, flat rate rewards programs like "Christmas" bonuses regardless of performance are out. "Year-end" bonuses are now based heavily on rewarding performance. Bonuses may be up to 40-50% of annual salary. This is a strong motivating force! Jon also spoke about the troubles they have had with employee evaluations. The firm started doing employee evaluations 20 years ago and has used 15 different systems over the years. The old evaluation systems that say, "Everybody’s great!" don’t work. SWMB finally found one that works well, a force ranking system. Their investor group - 38 people - evaluate all 120 employees. They have 81 engineers, so each investor ranks the engineers from 1 - 81 with number 81 being the first person they would lay off when times get tight. They also compare rankings by different group levels because they found that people may be evaluated differently by people at different levels.

During the question/answer portion of the presentation, Chris Robertson of Shannon & Wilson mentioned that managers/owners at SWMB are fairly young and asked Jon if that is one of the reasons why SWMB has done so well. Jon said yes, performance counts in their company and seniority means nothing. Most management is in their thirties and the company president is 36. Also, smart decisions count - not just profit when evaluating people. SWMB want their employees to do the "right things". It’s up to the people doing the project to do the job right, make the client happy, and work productively and efficiently. Good judgment, how people treat their peers, and how they treat their subordinates is what counts. Remember that engineering is a team sport. They sometimes ask their people, "whom do you think will be promoted within two weeks?" People tend to know the good performers.

By Don Northey

The Puget Sound Engineering Council, or PSEC, is an organization of engineering and scientific societies in the Puget Sound geographical area. PSEC was founded in 1945 and has continued to evolve to better serve the needs of its member societies. From the original Charter Societies, the Council has grown to encompass the full spectrum of engineering disciplines. In 1949, PSEC registered as a non-profit corporation in Washington State. ASCE has been a long-time member of this Council.

PSEC serves to coordinate and communicate among its member societies. It is unique in that it speaks for the full spectrum of engineering disciplines, and it represents engineering as a learned profession to the public in the Puget Sound region. The goal of PSEC is to inform the public on technical matters, to advance the interests of the member societies, as well as those of the larger engineering and scientific community, and to reflect the technical concerns of these societies and this community.

PSEC membership comes from the local chapters or sections of statewide, national or international societies. Each society appoints a representative to serve on the Council. Traditionally the representatives have served in top policy making positions within their respective societies. PSEC officers are elected from this group of representatives. PSEC conducts its business at monthly dinner meetings and special meetings that are called as required. A four-member Board of Directors assists and Council officers are chosen by consensus of the Board.

The Council’s Bylaws state the philosophy behind PSEC and guide the officers and Board of Directors in carrying out their duties. The President of PSEC appoints committees, which are responsible for the various Council activities. In the conduct of PSEC business, each society has equal representation on Council matters.

One of the highlights of PSEC’s year comes each February with National Engineers Week. Nationally, the President proclaims the week to honor America’s engineers. Under the sponsorship of PSEC and the Washington Society of Professional Engineers, the Governor proclaims the event throughout the State of Washington. County executives and mayors of major cities in the Puget Sound region also join the Governor in proclaiming Engineers Week in their municipalities.

Each year, PSEC organizes and presents an Engineering Fair during Engineers Week. The Fair features displays that demonstrate to the public what engineering is and what engineers accomplish. The Fair is held in a prominent public place and the exhibits are provided by engineering societies, educational institutions, federal, state and local agencies, private engineering firms, and industrial companies.

A Recognition Banquet culminates the Engineers Week activities. The Banquet is a celebration of the engineering profession and features outstanding speakers and the presentation of prestigious awards to recognize individuals who have given long and outstanding service to the profession. The Professional Engineer-of-the-Year Award is presented to a Registered Professional Engineer. The Industry Engineer-of-the-Year Award is for engineering excellence in the industrial sector. The Academic Engineer-of-the-Year Award is for outstanding contributions to the profession as a teacher of higher learning. The Government Engineer-of-the-Year Award is presented to an outstanding engineer serving the public through a government agency.

The Puget Sound Engineering Council cordially invites you to attend the annual Engineer’s Banquet/Ball at the College Club on Saturday, February 26, 2000 at 6:00 pm.

This will be a gala event to celebrate the Engineering Profession. Engineers who have achieved notable accomplishments in five different areas of our profession will be honored with Engineer-of-the-Year awards.

The Banquet program will be presented by an eminent individual, who will describe the relationship between Engineers and their work, with the rest of society, and the effects of changing environmental and societal priorities on the conduct of engineering work.

Mode of dress is optional, black tie or business attire. Menu choices are Indian Style Smoked King Salmon Fillet or Baked Prime Rib Choice Cut. Reserve your tickets today by mailing reservation information to:

PSEC Banquet

2003 Western Avenue #555

Seattle, WA 98121

On Saturday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m., the local chapters of Water For People and Water Partners International will be co-hosting the Fifth Annual Water For Life fundraising reception in the Dome Room in the Arctic Building (700 Third Avenue) in downtown Seattle. The emcee for this lively and entertaining event will be Bob Drewel, the Snohomish County Executive. Last year, approximately 250 people from the waterworks community came together to support the community of San Pablo de Consolacion, Honduras. Sponsors for this year’s event include Seattle Public Utilities, the City of Everett, and other members of the waterworks community. Funds raised at the reception this year will be used to assist the community of El Carrazalito, Honduras.

The ASCE University Advisory Committee is beginning a program that

introduces the civil engineering profession to students at Seattle area high

schools. If you are a graduate of a local high school and would like to

know more about the program, please contact Phillip Thompson

ENTRY LEVEL ENGINEER -Leonard, Boudinot & Skodje, Inc., a well-established civil engineering and land surveying firm in Mount Vernon is seeking a graduate civil engineer for an entry level position as an Engineer-in-Training. The position involves working with a team of professionals on the design of municipal engineering projects including streets, drainage, sanitary sewers, and water systems. A background in hydraulic analysis is required; knowledge of AutoCad preferred. For more information, please call Bob Boudinot at (360) 336-5751, or e-mail at rcb@lbs-inc.com. Resumes can be mailed to P.O. Box 1228,

Mount Vernon, WA 98273.

WATER SYSTEM ENGINEER – Golder Associates Inc., a leading international geotechnical and environmental engineering company, is seeking an enthusiastic mid to senior level Water System Engineer to join our expanding team serving the municipal and industrial water supply market. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the local water supply market with six to then years experience in all areas of water system planning, engineering design, water treatment, permitting and construction. And advanced degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering plus professional engineering registration is required. Responsibilities will include project management, business development and staff mentoring. Ability to work individually and as part of larger project team is required.

An outstanding career opportunity exists in project engineering with a well established, distinguished Portland, Oregon geotechnical and environmental consulting firm. This is a small firm with large project experience that works on an exciting mix of projects.

This position is ideal for a motivated individual interested in excelling professionally. Team players and client-focused individuals who are comfortable and capable of practicing advanced geotechnical engineering techniques will be considered. This person will design, study, test, and compile reports for geotechnical projects including shallow and deep foundations, slope stabilization, soil mechanics as well as construction observation.

Qualified candidates will possess 3 to 8 years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience, an M.S. degree in civil (geotechnical) engineering, a P.E. or the ability to register in Oregon and Washington within one year, and exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Ideal candidates will also be results-oriented, flexible, and creative in developing technology for highly diverse designs and projects.

Our client’s firm offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package, and an opportunity for ownership participation. This firm allows the project engineer to draw upon the experience of outstanding mentors within a favorable working environment.

This is a tremendous opportunity to join a dynamic company whose cutting-edge technology in stormwater treatment is revolutionizing the industry. This firm, headquartered in the Northwest, is five years old and expanding nationally.

Technical Sales Engineers will open markets in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and California. These individuals will develop new relationships and business in their regions.

We are looking for entrepreneurial leaders with solid engineering backgrounds, high levels of technical knowledge, and outstanding communication skills.

The firm offers a strong base-plus-incentive compensation package, benefits and the opportunity for ownership in a firm that is expected to grow exponentially.

Please fax a resume to Sheila Brown, at(360)598-3703, call (800)-583-0379