ACEC-CO Gala Raises More Than $36K/New Colorado Green Guide Available/Denver SDA Wins National Awards

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado donated $36,400 toward the restoration of the Boettcher Tropical Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Last year, the association recognized the Denver landmark on its list of Colorado's most notable buildings and building systems based on engineering innovations since the 1950s.

ACEC-CO Gala Raises $36,400 for Denver Landmark

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado celebrated its 50th anniversary in June by raising more than $36,000 to help restore a Denver area landmark and engineering icon - the Boettcher Tropical Conservatory at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

The money was raised through event sponsorships and a donation of $20 from each ticket sold for the June 15 anniversary gala, which took place at the gardens. The final amount donated was $36,400, including proceeds from a silent auction held during the party.

Denver Botanic Gardens CEO Joe Scully estimated that $9 million will be needed to restore the conservancy structure, a Denver landmark and engineering icon

In addition to the check for $35,000, engineers Ken Wright of Wright Water Engineers Inc. and Bill Taggart of ASCG Inc. of Colorado presented Scully with an added gift on behalf of the Colorado engineering community - a complete set of the 1970 construction drawings and specifications for Denver Botanic Gardens.

Wright was retained in 1970 to plan and design the civil engineering infrastructure aspects of the gardens, which included hydraulics, fountains, lakes, sidewalks, grading and drainage.

ASA Continues Contract Negotiation Series for Subs

The American Subcontractors Association will host a series of conference calls in 2006-07 to help participants learn critical points of contract negotiation without leaving their offices.

ASA's "Critical Skills Series on Contract Negotiations" will offer participants negotiating tips from professionals at a fraction of the cost they would otherwise pay - $45 per call for ASA members and $65 per call for nonmembers.

Each of the 12 one-hour calls will address a particular skill that can help subcontractors avoid costly mistakes. The topics are based on ASA's Stand Up! education program. They include "Getting and Using Payment Assurances," "Understanding Material Breach of Contract," "Covering Your Bases in Case of Convenience Termination" and "Identifying Performance Bond Risks."

For more information or to register, go to www.asaonline.com or call 703-684-3450, ext. 1320.

OEMC Offers New Colorado 'Green' Guide

The Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation released in June a new guide designed to help building owners and design teams create better, more energy-efficient buildings in Colorado.

"Using LEED-NC in Colorado: Tips, Resources & Examples" features recent examples of green buildings in Colorado and is available for free at the OEMC Web site, ww.colorado.gov/rebuildco/services/highperformance/leed_co/index.htm

More than 100 pages of information and links are offered in the guide, including:

• An introduction to the USGBC and the LEED-NC version 2.1 rating system;
• A list and photos of all LEED-certified projects in Colorado;
• Credit-by-credit guidance for the LEED-NC version 2.1 rating system;
• Resources for more information in every category - site selection and development, water quality and efficiency, energy efficiency and renewable energy, indoor air quality and material selection; and
• A list of green-building associations in Colorado and general green-building resources;
  

Denver Chapter of SDA Wins Several National Awards

The Denver Chapter of the Society for Design Administration - celebrating its 25th year - was honored this summer at SDA's annual national convention.

The chapter won juried awards in all three categories it entered: Newsletter, Networking/Public Awareness, for its sponsorship program; and Annual Project, for its all-day seminar: "Education by Design."

The Denver group also received Members' Choice awards for its newsletter and "Education by Design."

Theresa Ikeda of Mark Hoskin Architects, and Andria Brody of 4240 Architecture both received their first certification; and Sally DiSciullo, Monroe & Newell Engineers, received her final certification. Denver's Debra Ellis of Barker Rinker Seacat was also named national president-elect.

UCD Architecture School Attracts $2.5M Gift

A $2.5 million gift from an anonymous donor will endow the Children, Youth and Environments Center for Research and Design in the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center.

It is the largest gift by an individual donor in the history of the Denver campus.

Mark Gelernter, dean of the College of Architecture and Planning, has been instrumental in advancing the movement to a center-based educational approach within the college. Gift proceeds will be used to provide infrastructure and operating funds for CYE programs and support capacity building.

Associations Partner to Improve Opportunities for Women, Minorities

Associated Builders and Contractors, the National Association of Minority Contractors and Women Construction Owners and Executives USA have formed two strategic alliances designed to promote free enterprise, open competition and opportunities for all construction firms.

The three associations entered into separate agreements in June at ABC's Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. The associations expect these national-level agreements will trigger similar partnerships among the associations' local members nationwide.

The agreements will help to develop national initiatives that will encourage similar local level programs. In turn, the programs are designed to improve the business climate for all contractors and empower minority- and women-owned firms by providing them with access to services, training, networking and other programs.

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