4thFRIDAY40 LEADERSHIP SERIES ~ MARCH 24, 2023

GBA Multimedia Delivery Committee

4thFriday40 Leadership Series is a monthly webinar for GBA leaders at all levels to promote professional development, optimize influence, and facilitate achievement. In short, we want to help you to be a stronger, smarter, more successful leader.

In this edition, we will be joined by a good friend of GBA, leadership coach, and world-renown inspirational speaker, Eric Saperston. Eric Saperston is an unsinkable optimist who believes everyone can live an extraordinary life. He is an internationally recognized leader in professional development who empowers CEOs, executives, and audiences to Wake Up Excited and Go to Bed Fulfilled.

With a vision to change how businesses think, act, and operate, Eric works with leaders and organizations in nearly every industry to help transform company culture and create a better working world. Saperston has interviewed thousands of leaders, entertainment icons, and business tycoons to discover the common traits and differences which separate ordinary performance from legendary success.

As we know from his keynote presentation at a GBA Spring Conference, Eric Saperston has earned a reputation as a standing ovation keynote speaker.

This session, titled “Wake Up Excited and Go to Bed Fulfilled” is designed for leaders of all levels. Join us as Eric shares with us strategies to live a more energetic, enjoyable and fulfilled life.

Attend and earn one-half of a Professional Development Hour (PDH) for each webinar.

Free to all GBA Members.

Register for 4thFriday40 Leadership Series: HERE

ChatGPT: A Tipping Point or Disrupter for GBA Members?

Joel Carson, Executive Director

I recently had coffee with a long-time friend Kevin, who’s an experienced
futurist for an international consulting company, and an advocate for using technology for social good. Even before our caffeine jolt, he was almost crawling out of his skin telling me about a seismic shift in AI
technology in recent months that will significantly change our world.
He was of course talking about OpenAI’s stable release of ChatGPT on January 30, 2023.

Although I had not explored it, Kevin shared with me why this technology is disruptive, and my mind was blown. As I reflected on my world, I quickly linked this technology with potential impacts to our profession. Some are:

• Geoprofessional education
• Proposals and technical reports.
• GBA Member branding and marketing material.
• Resumes GBA-Member firms receive in from potential employees.
• Conference keynote presentations
• Crystal Ball Workshop Subject Matter Experts (SME’s)
• GBA recruiting efforts for new members
• And other key aspects of our livelihoods

After coffee with Kevin, I quickly drove back to my office and jumped into ChatGPT and OpenAI’s DALL-E, a similar platform that generates photos, paintings, and sketches. Again, my mind was blown. He was right!

The Harvard Business Review recently published a must-read article titled, “ChatGPT is a Tipping Point for AI”. They shared that ChatGPT might seem like a clever toy, but a deeper exploration reveals much more potential. One of the four reasons the application matters so much is “it has an incredible capacity to perform different kinds of writing with more significant implications than might be initially apparent. The use of AI in writing can greatly increase the productivity of businesses in a variety of industries. By utilizing AI’s ability to quickly and accurately generate written content, businesses can save time and resources, allowing them to focus on other important tasks. This is particularly beneficial for industries such as marketing and advertising, consulting, and finance, where high-quality written materials are essential for communicating with clients and stakeholders.”

In February, ResumeBuilder.com posted an article after they surveyed over 1,000 current and recent job seekers (defined here as having looked for a job within the past two months) who have used ChatGPT when applying. They reported 46% of job seekers are using ChatGPT to write their resumes and/or cover letters. These computer-generated resumes are certainly making headway because 78% of these job seekers got an interview when using application materials written by ChatGPT. Something all HR managers should be aware of in that computer generated resumes may hinder the ability to differentiate between the written communication skills of candidates?

To further explore how chatbots may be used by GBA members, I asked ChatGPT: “What is the Future for Geoprofessionals in the U.S.?” and I watched this response as it was typed on to my screen in about 35-seconds. It read:

The future for geoprofessionals in the U.S. is promising, with significant opportunities for growth and development. Geoprofessionals are experts in the fields of geology, geotechnical engineering, and related disciplines, and they play a critical role in the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure. One of the significant trends for geoprofessionals in the U.S. is the increasing demand for their expertise. As the population grows and infrastructure needs to be expanded and upgraded, the demand for geoprofessionals will continue to increase. This is particularly true as we face new challenges, such as climate change, urbanization, and sustainability, which require innovative solutions that can only be developed by experts in geology and geotechnical engineering.

Another trend for geoprofessionals in the U.S. is the increasing use of technology. New and innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT), are transforming the way geoprofessionals work. For instance, data analytics can be used to analyze vast amounts of geotechnical data, providing insights that would be difficult to obtain using traditional methods. AI and machine learning algorithms can also be used to develop predictive models, allowing geoprofessionals to anticipate and mitigate risks.

The growing focus on sustainability is also creating new opportunities for geoprofessionals in the U.S. Geoprofessionals can play a crucial role in designing and constructing infrastructure that is environmentally friendly and sustainable. This may include the use of new materials and techniques that reduce the impact of construction on the environment, as well as the optimization of resource use during the construction process.

Finally, the increasing complexity of infrastructure projects is creating new opportunities for geoprofessionals in the U.S. With the growing demand for infrastructure that is both sustainable and resilient, geoprofessionals will be needed to design and construct structures that can withstand the effects of climate change, such as increased rainfall and flooding. This will require expertise in soil mechanics, structural design, and materials science, as well as the ability to integrate the latest technologies into their work.

In conclusion, the future for geoprofessionals in the U.S. is bright, with significant opportunities for growth and development. As the demand for infrastructure continues to increase and new challenges emerge, such as climate change and sustainability, geoprofessionals will play a critical role in developing solutions that are both effective and sustainable. With their expertise in geology, geotechnical engineering, and related disciplines, geoprofessionals are well-positioned to contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure in the US. Additionally, the increasing use of technology, the growing focus on sustainability, and the complexity of infrastructure projects will continue to create new opportunities for geoprofessionals in the years ahead.”

While this machine-generated prognostication sounds a bit shallow and wiki-ish, I found this response to be thorough and generally depicts what I know about the future of our profession. GBA members preparing strategic plans may apply this approach as a starting point and connect opportunities with local market knowledge to identify areas for growth and prosperity. Again, this AI generated response only took 35-seconds.

While I still don’t understand all the implications (I’m sure some are not positive) of this new technology, the bottom line is ChatGPT and other chatbot platforms are here and can be accessed and used by anyone. These “tools” will be leveraged in ways we don’t yet understand, and often in ways that are beyond our control. GBA members would be wise to explore AI chatbots and stay current with their developments as they will surely be a part of our future.

2023-2024 Committee Leadership Announced

GBA Nomination Committee                                                                                           

During the Winter Leadership Summit held in early February, the Committee

Leaders were announced for our upcoming year.  They are:

 

CoMET Business Committee

Chair – Bryce Moore* (Blackburn Consulting)

Vice Chairs – Meghan McDonough, P.E. (Geo-Technology Associates),

                       Shawn Fitzhugh, P.E.* (CTL Thompson)

 

Environmental Business Committee

Chair – Margaret Panatera, P.E.* (GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.)

Vice Chairs – Daniel Gradishar, P.E. (Terracon)

                        Michael Roark, R.G., LEED* (Geotechnology, a Universal Engineering Sciences Company)

 

Geotechnical Business Committee

Chair – Blake Cotton, P.E., LEED AP* (GeoEngineers, Inc.)

Vice Chairs – Keith Mobley, P.E., G.E. (Northern Geotechnical Engineering)

                         Shawna Erter, P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE* (SCI Engineering, Inc)

 

Business Practices Committee

Chair – Jason Stoops, P.E., G2 Consulting Group

Vice Chairs – Donald Blackburn (Blackburn Consulting)

Matthew Van Rensler, P.E. (Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.)

 

Legal Affairs Committee

Chair – James Attaway, Jr., Esq., P.E.* (S&ME, Inc.)

Vice Chair – Aaron Mann, Esq.* (Terracon)

 

Council of Fellows

Chair – David Lourie, P.E., D.GE, F.GBA (Lourie Consultants)

 

Emerging Issues and Trends Committee

Chair – Jeff Gebhard, P.E. (Braun Intertec Corporation)

Vice Chair – Helen Pappas, CHMM (Gannett Fleming, Inc)

 

Resource Collaboration Committee

Chair – Chuck Gregory, P.E., F.GBA (Terracon)

 

Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Chair – Veronica DeFreitas, P.E. (Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc)

Vice Chairs – Peter Suah, P.E., (Antillian Engineering Associates)

                         Robert Howard, P.E.* (Geo-Technology Associates, Inc.)

 

Multimedia Delivery Committee

Chair – Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP2 (SME)

Vice Chairs – Ryan White, P.E., G.E. (PBS Engineering +Environmental),

Jennifer Sanborn, P.E. (Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.)

*Indicates Newly Appointed Leaders

 

On behalf of the GBA Board of Directors, thank you to all those who choose to share their time, talent, and leadership with GBA Committees.

We are always looking for more volunteers to participate in our committees.  GBA is built on a foundation of collaboration and contribution that benefits all, and GBA committee service fosters valuable relationships and leadership skills.

More information about GBA Committees can be found:  HERE

4THFRIDAY40 LEADERSHIP SERIES FEBRUARY 24, 2023

GBA Multimedia Delivery Committee

4thFriday40 Leadership Series is a monthly webinar for GBA leaders at all levels to promote professional development, optimize influence, and facilitate achievement. In short, we want to help you to be a stronger, smarter, more successful leader.           

In this edition, we will be joined by Glodean Champion. Glodean Champion is a Transformational Leader who specializes in personal growth, leadership development, and diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI). She works with individuals and organizations to get to the root cause of culturally based challenges by transforming beliefs, behaviors, and assumptions. Glodean’s unique approach to this centuries-old endeavor is rooted in the practice of engaging with people’s core emotions, cultural competencies, and situational and self-awareness through coaching, training, and workshops. She believes in meeting people “where they are” and leading them where they want (or, possibly, need) to be.

This session, titled “The Anti-DEI, DEI Webinar” is designed for leaders of all levels. Join us as Glodean Champion reviews the basic concepts and topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and bias and why they don’t work, long-term, without a strong foundation of L.O.V.E. and CARE. Participants explore how implicit attitudes and socializations impact our decisions and the interactions we have with one another. By the end of this foundational session, participants have the power of self-awareness and the importance of connection in the workplace and beyond.

Attend and earn one-half of a Professional Development Hour (PDH) for each webinar.

Free to all GBA Members.

Register for 4thFriday40 Leadership Series: HERE

4thFriday40 Leadership Series January 27, 2023

4thFriday40 Leadership Series January 27, 2023 
GBA Multimedia Delivery Committee

4thFriday40 Leadership Series is a monthly webinar for GBA leaders at all levels to promote professional development, optimize influence, and facilitate achievement.

In short, we want to help you to be a stronger, smarter, more successful leader.

In this edition, we will be joined by Val Ries. Ms. Ries is the author of the #1 new bestselling book: Chief Inspiration Officer – How to Lead the Team everyone wants to be on. She is the owner of Executive Muse, a training and mentoring organization designed to help leaders create teams that stay.

Val will emphasize loyal employees contribute differently than everyone else. They work harder, stay later and recommend friends to the organization – and not because they are paid more. During this webinar, Val explores how to create a culture where people are inspired to be a loyal part of your organization by leveraging her proprietary CRAVE® model and lessons from her book: Chief Inspiration Officer. You’ll see the latest statistics on employee engagement and come away with actionable ideas you can apply right away.

Attend and earn one-half of a Professional Development Hour (PDH) for each webinar.

Free to all GBA Members.

Register for 4thFriday40 Leadership Series: HERE

 

New Podcast – We Were Hacked! Cyber Attack Causes Total Business Disruption

Multimedia Delivery Committee

GBA has published over 110 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned.

GBA’s Multimedia Delivery Committee is now delivering select Case Histories as Podcasts.

In this episode, a Member-Firm with firm with multiple offices became the victim of foreign hacking enterprise. When an employee of the firm opened an email from an unsuspected contact, and clicked on a link, the hackers reached the Firm’s management systems. Once they got access to the systems, the infiltrators spent months learning about the operations, information storage and data, unbeknownst to anyone. After obtaining and securing all that they needed, they locked the access to the IT systems, including emails and files and demanded seven-figure sum of money to release the records.

What happens next? Tune into the latest GBA podcast, “We Were Hacked”, as GBA member Jennifer Sanborn reveals tips for keeping professional service firms safe from cyber security threats.

GBA Podcast: #109 – Case History – We Were Hacked

TOP 10 Resources List for 2022

GBA provides hundreds of highly effective resources developed to satisfy the unique needs of geoprofessionals, giving members essential tools for achieving success. However, we also know that it can be overwhelming to sort through them all. To help, we have compiled a list of the top 10 GBA resources by numbers ordered in 2022. This is a great place to start your exploration of GBA’s resources, or to get acquainted with a publication loved by your peers and “new to you”.                                                   

The list below is the top 10 GBA resources, in order by popularity. Topics cover a wide range of geoprofessional business issues, so there is certain to be something on this list that could help your business succeed. Select a title to learn more and order it today.

GBA BEST PRACTICES: TABOO WORDS

This is the updated version of previously published Practice Alert on establishing a mentoring program in your firm.

This Best Practices document, defines mentoring, identifies the many benefits of mentoring, for the firm, for mentors, and for protégés; discusses types of mentoring programs; provides a program overview and addresses the five basic program phases; offers guidance on program leadership and leadership levels and how these vary based on firm size; speaks to an array of program issues, introduced as questions; advises about keeping the program current; and identifies resources.

GBA BEST PRACTICES AVOIDING ABSOLUTES

Absolutes are words that connote an extreme condition; e.g., absolutely no exceptions. They are most commonly thought of as modifiers – adjectives and adverbs – but also occur as nouns, pronouns, and verbs. In common or colloquial parlance, they usually are harmless. However, when they are used by professionals within an instrument of professional service, correspondence, or other written communication (electronic or otherwise), or when they are spoken by professionals while acting in a professional capacity, absolutes are almost always inappropriate.

GBA BUSINESS BRIEF FINANCIAL SURVEY: FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 FINANCIAL-PERFORMANCE-SURVEY

The newest GBA Business Brief — available only to members and free of charge – comprises the GBA Business Practices Committee’s 2020-2021 Financial-Performance Survey report, covering key financial-performance issues surveyed firms reported. These include pre-distribution profit, discretionary-profit distribution, net multiplier, utilization rate, pre-distribution overhead, marketing costs, group insurance, collections, and fee backlog.

GBA BEST PRACTICES: PROJECT RECORDS RETENTION

This is the updated version of previously published Practice Alert on Project-Records Retention. Accurate records are critically important for resolving a dispute or defending a lawsuit. Not having the information you need when you need it can be disastrous. But sometimes retaining too much information can be disastrous, too. This revised publication gives recommendations on what project records you should keep and what not to keep. It also gives recommendations on how long and where those records should be kept. It is a guideline for the firms, but this will be also depend on the company policies.

GBA BEST PRACTICES: ESTABLISHING A MENTORING PROGRAM

This is the updated version of previously published Practice Alert on establishing a mentoring program in your firm.

This Best Practices document, defines mentoring, identifies the many benefits of mentoring, for the firm, for mentors, and for protégés; discusses types of mentoring programs; provides a program overview and addresses the five basic program phases; offers guidance on program leadership and leadership levels and how these vary based on firm size; speaks to an array of program issues, introduced as questions; advises about keeping the program current; and identifies resources.

GBA BEST PRACTICES: GO NO GO CHECKLIST

There are very good reasons why we would choose not to spend time and effort pursuing a client or a project. GBA’s Business Practices Committee has prepared a comprehensive, simple to use, Go/No-Go checklist for your use. The goal of the go/no go check list is to evaluate opportunities to see if they are the ones which will be beneficial for the firm currently and in the future. This checklist may be a tool you use to evaluate opportunities in new sectors, new clients, or a new line of service for your firm.

GBA GUIDE TO THE IN-HOUSE REVIEW OF GEOPROFESSIONAL REPORTS

The publication provides step-by-step instructions – as well as overarching concepts – for report writers and reviewers. Organized into three principal content areas to help reviewers consider major issues and to give report writers a clear framework for preparing reports and considering reviewers’ comments, the guide addresses a report’s ability to satisfy the contractual obligations it was intended to fulfill; the quality of its technical and risk-management content; and the clarity of presentation. Supplemental materials include a report-control log, copies of GBA’s widely used report-insert sheets (geotechnical, environmental, and construction-materials engineering and testing), and three best-practices monographs covering “taboo” words, absolutes, and “slipshod synonyms.”

CONSTRUCTION RISKS AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: MESSAGE TO DESIGN PROFESSIONALS

This publication lists the risks civil and structural engineers assume when they develop geotechnical-engineering scopes of service and solicit proposals or bids. Guidance is given on techniques for reducing the design team’s liability exposure, principally through reliance on qualifications-based selection (QBS).

FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS FOR PROJECT MANAGERS

Effective Project Managers are key to the success of all geoprofessional businesses. GBA recognizes development of highly effective Project Managers requires training, experience, and mentorship in numerous areas. GBA has developed, with support of member-firm volunteers, a Project Manager essential skills training course to support and augment training available by member-firms.

The foundation of this 11 module Project Manager course has been generously donated by a GBA member firm. While the slides have been rebranded by GBA, there may be content or concepts that are specific to this GBA member firm and may require slight modifications to make presentations appropriate for your firm. This course will help you introduce and discuss the essential skills needed as a Project Manager.

The PowerPoint format of this course has been developed so that it can be given in a group setting by a leader in your organization or used as a self-teaching tool by an individual. The course can be delivered all at once in an 8-hour day, or a module at a time as time permits. Each module contains a short quiz at the end to confirm clarity on the topics presented. Each module also includes a printable completion certificate. Module 11 includes a printable and frameable Course Completion Certificate for those that have completed all the modules of this course.

GBA GUIDE TO THIRD PARTY RELIANCE

Developed by GBA’s Legal Affairs Committee, the GBA Guide to Third-Party Reliance provides comprehensive discussion of both authorized and unauthorized reliance. Contents include:

Third-Party Reliance Defined
Who or what are third parties?
What is authorized reliance?
What is unauthorized reliance?

Dealing with Reliance Requests
Should we charge a fee for third-party reliance?
To whom should we grant reliance?
How do we document a grant of reliance?
Some clients ask us to include third-party reliance language in the report itself. How do we handle that?
How do we deal with (or, preferably, prevent) last-minute reliance requests?
What about the form letters that some third parties – lenders in particular – more or less require us to imprint our own letterhead?

Dealing with the Potential of Unauthorized Third-Party Reliance
How can we protect ourselves when contractors use our reports to develop bids?
Should we include advisory letters in our contracts and reports?

This Guide also include several sample letters.

CONTRACT REFERENCE GUIDE, FOURTH EDITION

This new edition not only provides significant updates from the prior editions, but also includes important new topics, such as Climate Change, Indemnities and Hold Harmless Provisions in Favor of the Consultant, and Instruments of Professional Service.

Since contracts that reflect a fair and balanced allocation of risk and reward are essential to any risk management program, we hope that this Guide will help to promote the success of your firm. The Guide includes sample recommended language, supported by explanations of the legal issues involved in each, and suggested negotiation strategies. The Guide was designed to foster good risk management while maintaining and enhancing client relationships.

A great tool for project managers and others!

GBA’s Contract Reference Guide, Fourth Edition, now is available to our members in e-book version, available in Mobi File (PC version) or EPub file (Apple products) as well as a PDF and in a hard copy version.  The searchable, flip-book allows you to take the Guide with you on any device for quick reference at your fingertips.

GBA BEST PRACTICES: COMMENTARY MODEL REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The “Model Request for Proposal” document outlines many virtues of a well-planned out proposal request for geoprofessional activities for a project. The document discusses exploration approaches, the need for clarity in the planned construction and site configuration, and offers discussion points for owners and their design team for consideration. Cost is contrasted with the complexity of the project, anticipated site conditions, timing of geoprofessional work, specifically exploration, and the required deliverable requirements. The request for proposal commentary can be disseminated to owners, architects, structural and civil engineers in an effort to build a consistent RFP for distribution. Further, the document can be used amongst geotechnical engineers and geologists in a firm as a training basis on the baseline requirements for a solid proposal.

Review 2022’s Top 10 Resources and Top 10 Case Histories:  HERE

GBA Board Slate Announced

Moler, Marcozzi, and Peterson Lead GBA’s 2022-2023 Board of Directors Slate
GBA Nominating Committee

GBA’s Nominating Committee has announced its slate of officers and directors for the May 1, 2023-April 30, 2024, fiscal year.

GBA President-Elect and Board Chair-Elect, Christopher Matthew “Matt” Moler, P.E. (S&ME, Inc.) will become President and Chair of the GBA Board of Directors

Those nominated for the other two officer positions are for President-Elect and Board Chair-Elect, Guy Marcozzi, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, F. ASCE (Verdantas), and Teresa L. Peterson, P.E., C.M.E., LEED AP O&M, ENV SP (Gannett Fleming) for Secretary-Treasurer.

Those nominated to serve as Directors-at-Large are: Elizabeth Clarke (Structure Groups); Victor R. Donald, P.E. (Terracon); Carrie L. Foulk, P.E., G.E. (BSK); Bradley M. Melocik, P.E., P.H.(DOWL); Daniel. K. Schaefer, P.E. (Froehling & Robertson, Inc.); and Stuart “Stu” Thompson (CTL Thompson).

Please join us in congratulating those nominated to serve on the GBA Board of Directors and thank them for their service to our Association.

GBA’s Current Board of Directors

New Podcast Series: Fundamentals of Field Representation

New Podcast Series: Fundamentals of Field Representation
GBA’s Multimedia Delivery Committee                                           

GBA’s Multimedia Delivery Committee recently uncovered a treasure trove of valuable content in GBA’s outstanding audio series and transitioned them into an educational and entertaining podcast series. This series was originally available as downloadable audio files, designed for one-on-one listening by field representatives, or as material to spur discussion during brownbag seminars or other training sessions. Like other GBA audio education programs,

Fundamentals of Field Representation uses dramatization to make its points. The roles are played by professional actors, supplemented by sound effects.

Three episodes, hosted by, Tiffany Vorhies (SME) and Ryan White (PBS Engineering and Environmental) review the original audio and follow up with a discussion, including their own personal lessons learned from many years of experience in the industry as both field reps and technical leaders.

In Episode 1, Podcast hosts discuss the importance of field representatives knowing the seriousness and risks of the work they perform. This episode provides a real-world example about a casual comment made while onsite about trench safety that turned into a legal case. Ryan and Tiffany talk about the relationship between contractors and field representatives and how these relationships can affect decisions made while on project sites. Tune in to hear more about how field representatives are not immune to the litigation that can occur on projects.

In Episode 2, Our hosts take a closer look at what it means to be a professional and how that relates to the duty of care and standard of care at a job site. Centered around a GBA Audio Education module, this episode provides practical examples and commentary by Ryan and Tiffany on how they’ve seen these concepts play out in their experience as engineering professionals. Learn about these important legal terms in a fun and conversational way!

In Episode 3 of GBA’s Audio Education Series, our hosts explore duty of care in field reporting. While covering the 6 aspects of effective field reporting, we are reminded of the essential information that should be included in reports. This is a good refresher for any experienced field staff as well as necessary information for newer geoprofessionals. In addition, our hosts discuss the common hiccups with surnames. Is it Ms., Miss, or Mrs?

Download and listen to three podcast episodes of Field Representation: HERE

New Case History: Innovation Saves School District Time and Money

GBA Geotechnical Business Committee

GBA has a long history of sharing the painful and expensive lessons its Member Firms have learned through its popular GBA Case History series. Member Firms can also learn from one another on projects that turned out successfully.

In this Case History, a school district hired a non-GBA Member Firm to assess subsurface conditions at the proposed location for a new campus structure. Initial exploratory borings suggested the area contained adverse geologic conditions consisting of shallow basalt bedrock containing large voids. The preferred location for the structure was judged to be “un-buildable.” The school district hired a GBA-Member Firm for a second opinion. The Member Firm suggested a new approach and teamed with another GBA Member that specializes in geophysics.

In the end, the stakeholders were delighted that the new team of GBA-Member Firm was able to refute the original findings using innovative methods. As a result, the construction at preferred location for the structure proceeded with confidence.

GBA case histories give all GBA-Member Firms an opportunity to conduct lunch-and-learn sessions, where participants– especially less experienced personnel–read the cases, then discuss what went wrong or right, and how to deal with similar issues in the future.

Case Histories are FREE for all GBA Members

Download Case History #114: HERE

4thFriday Leadership Series – December 16, 2022

Featuring: Michael Allosso

Award Winning Speaker, Self-Awareness Specialist
Leadership & Communications Specialist

Topic: YOU ON YOUR BEST DAY
(Holiday Edition)

MICHAEL ALLOSSO is a master communications expert and self-awareness specialist who coaches CEO’s, teams and individuals in day-to-day communications, dynamic presentations as well as leadership excellence. He has led award winning workshops for leaders and sales teams all over the world and is a much sought-after personal coach. His client base ranges from insurance producers to construction managers, doctors to bankers, actors to politicians. As a  professional theater and film director, Michael’s keen sense of observation enables him to immediately provide his clients with practical tools to fortify their strengths and refine their weaknesses.

Michael has traveled the world bringing his You on Your Best Day® program to a wide variety of organizations and businesses and has transitioned his program seamlessly to You on Your Best Zoom Day. He is a speaker and entertainer who brings life to any in-person or virtual event.

4thFriday40 Leadership Series is a monthly webinar for GBA leaders at all levels to promote professional development, optimize influence, and facilitate achievement. In short, we want to help you to be a stronger, smarter, more successful leader.

Attend and earn one-half of a Professional Development Hour (PDH) for each webinar.

Free to all GBA Members.

Register for 4thFriday40 Leadership Series: HERE

Annual Project Excellence Award Applications are Open

GBA Awards Committee

GBA is excited to announce the 2023 Woodward L. Vogt Project Excellence Award.


With this prestigious award, GBA will recognize some of the most outstanding projects by its members who live and demonstrate the vision of GBA to great accomplishment. Winners of this award will truly showcase their hard work and contributions to society in front of all of their peers, clients and other professionals from across North America.

Winners receive a plaque, will be recognized at GBA’s Annual Awards Ceremony in
April 2023, and present their project at GBA’s 2023 Fall Conference.

Deadline for applications is January 31, 2023.

More Information HERE

NEW! Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Best Practices in the Geoprofessions

GBA’s DEI Committee

Workplace diversity has become one of the top priorities and main challenges of many organizations. There are several known benefits to an increase in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) including more profits. Yet, even with increased attention and resources around DEI, achieving workplace diversity can be a complicated and challenging undertaking, leaving some firms and employees frustrated and questioning DEI initiatives.

The DEI Committee of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) has prepared this document to help guide GBA-member firms in their DEI journey to ultimately develop and advance DEI programs within their firms.

In this document DEI committee defines Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, explains the advantages of diversity in workplaces with proven research data, and how the geoprofessional industry is adapting and is moving toward a more diverse talent pool especially in the entry level  positions. The document also covers the barriers the firms face in implementing more diversity within their firms and gives suggestions to overcome these challenges.

Like all GBA committee-developed products, this is a living document that will be updated periodically to ensure it remains current as the discourse and research in DEI evolve.

GBA Best Practices are FREE for all members.

Download: Best Practices – Developing a DEI Initiative

 

New Case History:  Higher Ground

 GBA Geotechnical Business Committee

GBA has a long history of sharing the painful and expensive lessons its Member Firms have learned through its popular GBA Case History series. Member Firms can also learn from one another on projects that turned out successfully. Higher Ground is intended to inspire GBA Member Firms to reduce risk and improve performance through case histories with a positive outcome.

In this Case History, a GBA-Member Firm performed construction materials engineering and testing (CoMET) services for a new nine-story hospital. Another firm’s geotechnical report recognized the pavement subgrade would include poorly graded soil-rock fill and recommended a bearing ratio that the GBA Member Firm recognized as a “worst case” for design purposes. It became apparent early in the grading process that the fill should produce a higher bearing ratio.  This conclusion, based on field observations made during construction, proved to be correct. Despite a lack of precedent, the GBA-Member Firm recognized an opportunity to save the owner a significant amount on asphalt paving costs by reducing pavement section thickness.  This resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars of savings.

The result fostered a great relationship with a new client.  Unfortunately, the Member Firm overlooked an opportunity to be fairly compensated for the additional risk and value derived.

Lessons learned include:

  • Be sure you are right – then go ahead!                                                                         
  • Share and share alike.
  • Understand the Standard of Care
  • Conformation-dependent recommendations are important.

GBA case histories give all GBA-Member Firms an opportunity to conduct lunch-and-learn sessions, where participants– especially less experienced personnel –read the cases, then discuss what went wrong or right, and how to deal with similar issues in the future.

GBA-Member Firms use case histories to learn from others’ misfortunes, so you don’t have to learn through misfortunes of your own!

Case Histories are FREE for all GBA Members

Download Case History #113:  HERE

 

Year-End Workplace Benchmark Poll

 

Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) in partnership with the AEC HR Summit is launching a historic “State of the Workplace” Industry Report.

These are critical days for our industry. Though business is booming for many, the threat of a recession, high inflation, declining workforce demographics, and unprecedented demands for pay and benefits have shaken even the most confident and optimistic leaders. We are hoping this survey brings you some much needed market intelligence – what firms are doing today, and tomorrow, to proactively prepare for 2023 and beyond.

We have created this short survey to help gauge where you are, and where you are going – while also seeing what other firms are currently planning.

Specifically, we will be asking questions related to latest workforce practices, including:

  • Salary and merit budgets
  • Recruiting trends – and where to find new candidates                                     
  • Turnover trends – both voluntary and involuntary
  • Retention and Engagement trends
  • Recognition and Bonus Programs
  • The hybrid and ‘work from home’ workforce statistics
  •  Benefit trends – including fully insured and self-ensured options
  • Time off policies
  •  401K match allocations
  •  Career Development
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    …  and much more!

We’d like to hear from you no later than Tuesday, November 22, 2022. Please complete this survey (anticipated to take less than 10 minutes) by clicking HERE. Please note, this survey is completely confidential and anonymous. Feel free to contact us if you have questions.

Everyone who participates in this survey will receive a summary report which you can share with your leadership team.

You’re also invited to join us for a complimentary live webinar on December 6, 2022 at 2:00 EST as industry leaders Bob Kelleher and Joel Carson jointly share the results of this survey, including their consultative insights. You may sign up for the free webinar HERE. The summary will be sent out after the webinar and those who participate in the survey will also receive a recording of this webinar to share with their respective team(s).

We hope you can participate!

Survey Link
Webinar Registration