Our speaker will be Bob vanArsdall, director of Market & Sector Analysis at XL Insurance.

SYNOPSIS: This bill would specify that any green building standard used for construction or major renovation of public buildings by state and local governments would be required to use certain forest certification standards for wood consistent with standards used in the forest industry in this state.

To read the entire bill: HB 457

To follow the status of the bill: Bill Status for HB457 

Engineers Week 2013

SEAoAL would like to encourage you to celebrate and help us promote the positive contributions engineers make to society every day by participating in Engineers Week. On the week of February 17-23, engineers will be presenting to students all over the country regarding how engineers make dreams a reality.  NCSEA has developed a power point presentation that can be given at schools.  The PowerPoint file can be used as a template that can be customized to an appropriate age group.  The presentation is designed to promote Structural Engineering to students and help expand knowledge of our profession. For more information about Engineers Week, visit the National Engineers Week Foundation website at www.eweek.org .  To obtain a copy of this free PowerPoint presentation template so you can promote engineering at a school near you, please contact the Executive Director of SEAoAL, Rhea Williams, at rhea@karmamanagmentinc.com.  

On January 10^th, the YMG hosted a lunch and learn on “Modern Concrete Technology.”  Philip Brandt, Secretary of ACI 360 and Vice-President with Euclid Chemical Company, gave the presentation to 33 attendees.  Mr. Brant discussed concrete mix design, vapor barriers, control joints, floor flatness and other items pertinent to today’s concrete construction.  Attendees were also treated to a lunch from Zoe’s Kitchen.  Attendance at the lunch and learn included members of the Alabama Chapter of ACI who were invited to attend the meeting.  To learn more about the SEAoAL YMG, contact Jeremy Deal at jeremy@struct-engr.com.

SEAoAL Young Member Group

On November 8^th, the YMG hosted a lunch and learn at Terracon on “Personal Safety for Jobsite Visits.”  Willie Simpson, a Safety Consultant with UA Safe State, gave a very interactive presentation to a group of 18 attendees.  Attendees were also treated to fajitas from Superior Grill thanks to Rebecca Bradford with Beck First Aid and Safety.  Beck First Aid and Safety is a local Birmingham business that not only sales equipment but also holds training for first aid, CPR, etc.  We would like to thank them and UA Safe State for sponsoring our meeting. 

Southern Forest Products Association has issued a news release regarding the status of design values for Southern Pine.  Click here for more information: December 13, 2012 SFPA News Release