Pablo Picasso was quoted as saying “Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act.  There is no other route to success.”  This is true with your companies and with our association of Member Firms.

During GBA’s 2018 Spring Conference, newly elected President, Woody Vogt P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE, F.ACI, F.ASTM ( Paradigm Consultants, Inc.) introduced GBA’s  2020 Strategic Plan and the goals of the plan to the conference attendees.  He emphasized GBA’s purpose, vision and value proposition have not changed but our approach to achieving them in the next few years has.  We are in a dynamic business environment and our member firms strive to meet the demands of the market and their clients, GBA must also change to remain relevant.

He shared the goals of the 2020 strategy and provided detail on how each are important to GBA as the preferred source of business-educational resources, specifically risk management and business performance optimization, for geoprofessional firms.  They are:

STRENGTHEN GBA’S BRAND – Sharpen our focus to deliver on the Value Proposition.

 TURBOCHARGE THE MEMBER EXPERIENCE – Develop a unique “member experience” to further drive value and connection.

CELEBRATE SUCCESSES– Highlight the accomplishments of members that promote our values, purpose and strategy while elevating our profession and contributing to our overall success.

Mr. Vogt’s introduction to the 2020 Strategic Plan emphasized that our continued collaboration on the elements outlined will ultimately help members and their clients confront risk and optimize business performance by delivering unique professional resources, programs, and services that make them stronger, smarter and more successful.

Download GBA’s 2020 Strategic Plan

Engineering Change Lab – USA Update

Original conversations about the possibility of launching a Lab to help unlock the higher potential of the engineering profession began in Canada between Engineers Canada and Engineers Without Borders Canada in the summer of 2014.  This led to the formation of a non-profit organization Engineering Change Lab – Canada, that provides a platform for collaboration to allow individuals and organizations from across the profession to take action to address the systemic challenges (i.e. ethics failures, lack of diversity, and low levels of innovation) that have been holding back the profession’s full potential. Engineering Change Lab – Canada coordinates and oversees 3 workshops a year.

As reported in an August 16 2017  edition of NEWSlog, efforts are underway to launch Engineering Change Lab – USA (ECL – USA).  Summit No. 2 was held in Omaha on February 5 and 6, 2018.  The summit was attended by 45 leaders from across the engineering community and built on the results of the first summit held last summer.  Two key assumptions continued to guide the work of the participants.

• Traditional engineering practices are being disrupted by scientists, engineers, and businesses operating in new models of delivery.
• The role of the engineering profession is to guide the application of technology with an understanding of human and social impacts.

Progress was made on all of the specific objectives for the second summit.

• Explore the prospect of, and process for, moving the engineering profession toward fulfilling its highest potential in the emerging future.
• Crystallize the intent of the ECL – USA.
• Recognize and make progress on initiatives begun at the first summit.
• Organize ECL – USA, including structure, participation, commitments, communication and process for 2018.
• Identify next steps, including outreach to other stakeholders in the larger engineering eco-system.

A key outcome of the summit was strong consensus from the attendees that work should continue, and the next summit should be scheduled.  Key points regarding the next summit are summarized below.

• Summit 3 will again be held in Omaha on June 12 and 13, 2018. 
• The summit schedule will include a full day on Tuesday, June 12, and a half day on Wednesday, June 13.
• The schedule will also include a supplemental window for initiative groups to spend a couple of hours after lunch on Wednesday, June 13, working on their specific efforts.

One of the objectives of Summit 2 was to address the organization of ECL – USA.  Summit participants brain-stormed key organizational principles and key elements of the vision / mission of the organization.  A task force of summit participants is working on the vision / mission and will propose specific language for consideration at Summit 3.  Another outcome was agreement on the continuing need to broaden participation to include more sectors of the engineering community.  Suggestions are welcome.

If you are interested in participating in Summit 3 please contact Michael P. McMeekin, PE, ENV SP, (Lampe Rynearson & Associates) Mike.McMeekin@LRA-INC.com.

Woodward L. “Woody” Vogt, P.E., D.GE, F.ACI, F. ASCE, F.ASTM (Paradigm Consultants, Inc.)  is the new president of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA), a not-for-profit association of geoprofessional firms. Accepting office during ceremonies at GBA’s annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois,  Mr. Vogt is the 48th individual to serve as GBA’s president and chair the group’s board of directors. Other directors who will serve during GBA’s 2018-19 fiscal year are:

• President-Elect Arthur G. “Art” Hoffmann, P.E., D.GE. (Gannett Fleming, Inc);
• Secretary/Treasurer Kenneth R. “Ken” Johnston (GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.)
• Saiid Behboodi, P.E., G.E (PBS Engineering + Environmental)
• Thomas W. “Tom” Blackburn, P.E., G.E., F.ASCE (Blackburn Consulting)
• Chuck A. Gregory, P.E. (Terracon)
• Christopher Matthew “Matt” Moler, P.E. (S&ME, Inc.)
• Leo Titus, Jr., P.E. (ECS, Ltd.)

Mr. Vogt is president of Paradigm Consultants, Inc. in Houston. He has more than 45 years’ experience providing geotechnical, construction materials, investigative and forensic engineering services. Mr. Vogt is a Diplomate of Academy of Geo-Professionals and a fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, ACI International, and ASTM International. He participates in committee activities of ACI International and ASTM . Before joining the GBA Board of Directors, Mr. Vogt was a founding member of the GBA Construction Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) Committee and chaired the GBA Accreditation and Certification Task Force. He serves on the board of directors of the International Council for Certification of Construction Inspectors and is past board chair of the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. He is past president of TCEL/Geoprofessionals Serving Texas and the Houston Chapter of TCEL. Mr. Vogt received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology (“Georgia Tech”) and is a licensed professional engineer in Texas and Louisiana.

GBA Releases Five More Case Histories: 31-35

GBA Case Histories are being used by our members for loss prevention discussions in support of professional development and mentoring.  They are also being used in universities to bring “real-world” lessons into the classroom.  Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are condemned to repeating mistakes of the past which is why GBA case histories are so valuable, and why GBA is updating them all, while adding new ones, too. Five more case histories have been issued.

CASE HISTORY NO. 31 (download)                  

An architect requested a proposal from the geotechnical-engineering firm whose office was next door to the site of a proposed newspaper plant. The architect selected another firm because it offered a lower fee, but the firm was far less experienced. The owner ultimately paid a $40,000 construction cost premium in order to save $600 in engineering fees.

CASE HISTORY NO. 32 (download)      

A civil engineer failed to follow a geotechnical engineer’s recommendation in order to save several hundred dollars. The geotechnical engineer took appropriate defensive measures as a result of the corner-cutting, and thus did not have to contribute to the $125,000 cost overrun that ultimately had to be paid by the civil engineer.

CASE HISTORY NO. 33 (download)      

The pressure of business forced a Member Firm to assign a somewhat new field representative to observe construction being performed by a tricky, problem-prone contractor. After initial problems evaporated, the project proceeded without a hitch. The Member Firm later learned that the field representative had been bribed.

CASE HISTORY NO. 34 (download)                  

The owner’s desire to save a relatively few dollars on a fast-track project resulted in innumerable problems and cost overruns. The Member Firm learned that it is sometimes necessary either to force proper procedures on others or to pay the consequences.

CASE HISTORY NO. 35 (download)                  

A $4,000, 17-day project was performed well, but the warning in the report could have been stated more strongly, especially so because follow-up contact was not maintained. The result: The Member Firm had to pay an $20,000 legal bill to prove it should not have been sued in the first place.

Access all GBA’s Case Histories HERE

National Practice Guideline

Geotechnical Engineer of Record Updated

The Geotechnical Business Council of GBA has updated the guide to help identify the roles and responsibilities of the geotechnical engineer of record, client, and owner involved with the geotechnical-engineering aspects of a conventional design/bid/build construction project.

The guideline addresses the range and nature of services that should be included in the geotechnical engineer’s scope of service if the geotechnical engineer is to sign and seal instruments of professional service, and accept the geotechnical engineer of record designation.

The updated guideline delineates responsibilities of the geotechnical engineer of record, the range and nature of basic services that should be included in the geotechnical engineer of record’s scope of service, and additional services that may apply. Obligations of the client and the owner are outlined and various terms are defined.

This important document was first published in March 1993 by then Practice Environment Committee and revised by the Professional Practice Committee in 2008.  This update was a collaborative effort of GBA’s Geotechnical Business Council Chair, Rick Heckel, P.E. and Council members Woody Vogt, D.GE, F. ASCE, F. ACI, F. ASTM, Michael Marasa, P.E., and Blake Cotton. P.E., LEED AP.

DOWNLOAD HERE

GBA Releases Five More Case Histories: 26-30

Refreshed GBA Case Histories have been downloaded over 2,000 times since May 1, 2017 and they are being used by GBA members for loss prevention discussions in support of professional development and mentoring.  Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are condemned to repeating mistakes of the past which is why GBA case histories are so valuable, and why GBA is updating them all, while adding new ones, too. Five more case histories have been issued.

CASE HISTORY NO. 26             PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Client

A multi-disciplinary consulting-engineering firm retained by an electric utility

The Project

A 12,000kW, fast-tracked, power-generating facility comprising a 110-foot-high rockfill dam, powerhouse, transmission line, and associated structures

Assignment of the GBA-Member Firm

Perform 6,000 feet of seismic-refraction transverses in the dam, penstock, dike, and powerhouse areas; reduce and interpret geophysical data obtained

CASE HISTORY NO. 27                  PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Client

A state-government agency

The Project

A 150-by-80-foot, single-story addition to a 100,000-square-foot educational building

Assignment of the GBA-Member Firm

Perform a geotechnical-engineering study and provide a report of findings and recommendations.

CASE HISTORY NO. 28               PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Client

During the design phase, a municipality constructing a new library. During the construction phase, the project’s constructor-in-charge.

The Project

A small municipal library

Assignment of the GBA-Member Firm

Perform a geotechnical-engineering study for the owner and perform constructor quality control for the constructor, per owner requirements.

 CASE HISTORY NO. 29               PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Client

A manufacturer of corrugated metal pipe (CMP)

The Project

Installation of a flexible CMP culvert in a drainage ditch designed to bypass surface water around a power-plant-construction project.

 Assignment of the GBA-Member Firm

Observe and test the compaction of fill beneath and on the sides of the CMP installation.

CASE HISTORY NO. 30               PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Client

The owner of a food-storage warehouse

The Project

An addition to the existing warehouse

Assignment of the GBA-Member Firm

Perform a geotechnical-engineering study and submit a report including confirmation-dependent foundation recommendations, settlement analysis and estimates, earthwork recommendations, and a detailed description of construction-phase observation and documentation services.

 Access all GBA’s Case Histories HERE

New Best Practices – Effective Presentations

You’ve been tasked with preparing a presentation for an upcoming event, but not quite sure where to start? There is an abundance of information and resources available out there to help you prepare and deliver an exceptional presentation. No doubt about it, presenting effectively takes time, effort, and practice, but it is also very rewarding.

To assist GBA member-firm representatives with this task, the Business Practices Committee has prepared guidelines and suggestions for developing audio-visual aids and presenting content. This is the same information provided to individuals planning to speak at GBA conferences!

DOWNLOAD HERE

GBA’s Nominating Committee has announced its slate of officers and directors for the May 1, 2018-April 30, 2019 fiscal year.

GBA President-Elect Woodward L. “Woody” Vogt, P.E., D.GE, F.ACI, F.ASCE, F.ASTM (Paradigm Consultants, 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, Arthur G. “Art” Hoffmann, P.E., D.GE (Gannett Fleming, Inc.) and, Kenneth R. “Ken” Johnston (GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.) for Secretary-Treasurer.

Those nominated to serve as Directors-at-Large are: Saiid Behboodi, P.E., P.G. (PBS Engineering and Environmental); Thomas W. “Tom” Blackburn, P.E., G.E., F.ASCE (Blackburn Consulting);  Chuck A. Gregory, P.E. (Terracon); Christopher Matthew “Matt” Moler, P.E. (S&ME, Inc.); and Leo Titus, Jr., P.E.(ECS, Ltd.)

GBA’s Current Board of Directors

JOIN THE CONVERSATION – The Puzzle of Motivation

GBA has a rich history of uniting to tackle tough problems, collaborating on common issues, and working together to elevate our profession.

GBA is sponsoring a program to promote growth and collaboration, interested GBA Members will independently watch the TED Talk “The Puzzle of Motivation” then gathering together to discuss the contents in on a webinar in a facilitated “book club” format.  Together we will learn, share, and grow.

Friday: January 5, 2018

Time:  2:00 PM Eastern, 1:00 PM Central, Noon Mountain, 11:00 AM Pacific

Duration: 1 hour

Facilitated by: Joel Carson

Space is limited: Sign Up Here

The Puzzle of Motivation by Dan Pink

Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don’t: Traditional rewards aren’t always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories — and maybe, a way forward.

Watch Here

What are your Peers Reading?

GBA’s Most Downloaded Resources in 2017

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. So, to help, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 GBA resources by numbers ordered in 2017. 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”.

GBA’s CASE HISTORIES were very popular downloads with over 1,100 downloads of updated Case Histories during the year.

The list below is the top 10 GBA resources, in order by popularity, with the most ordered resource at the top. Topics cover a wide range of geoprofessional business issues, so we are certain that you will find something on this list that could help your business succeed. Select a title to learn more and download it today.

The top downloads are:

1. FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS FOR PROJECT MANAGERS
2. PHASE 1 ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS 2007-2010
3. GBA BEST PRACTICES: TABOO WORDS
4. GBA BEST PRACTICES: DO’s and DON’Ts for FACTS WITNESSES
5. GBA BUSINESS BRIEF: FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017
6. GBA GUIDE TO THE IN-HOUSE REVIEW OF GEOPROFESSIONAL REPORTS
7. A LOOK INSIDE THE CRYSTAL BALL
8. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GEOTECHNICAL-ENGINEERING REPORT
9. LIMITATION OF LAIBILITY CASE INDEX
10. LUNCH & LEARN: RISKY LANGUAGE

GBA CASE HISTORIES

Click on any title to order your copy today.  All reference documents are free for members.

GBA’s Business Practice Committee has compiled information from several GBA Member Firms to develop a complete Ethics and Professional Conduct Training.  The materials have been developed for GBA member firms so that they can perform comprehensive ethics training for all employees in small, manageable parts that will enhance discussion and retention.  The four-part PowerPoint presentation and support information consist of the following:

Part 1 – Introduction to Ethics

Part 2 – Codes of Ethics

Part 3 – Ethical Decision-Making Guidelines

Part 4 – Business Conduct

This training is recommended to be facilitated by a Senior Leader within your firm, and can be performed in a lunchtime learning environment or in small group settings.

Download Ethics & Professional Conduct Training

We have all seen the headlines and our attention on workplace harassment is elevated.  GBA Member-Firms have a unique opportunity to promote proven business practices to educate our employees about workplace harassment.

GBA’s Business Practices Committee has taken the opportunity to refresh and update a lunch and learn titled Workplace Harassment.  Those taking the training will learn:

• Each is personally responsible for their workplace behavior
• We all have a role in maintaining a harassment-free work environment
• We need to support an environment of respect and value of individuals
• Skills to set boundaries and confront harassment

The process is simple.  Download the Lunch & Learn instructions and PowerPoint.  Review the contents and modify as you see fit for your firm.

GBA’s Education Committee developed the Lunch & Learn seminar series to help GBA-Member Firms conduct high-quality, to-the-point seminars for staff members and, possibly, others, including client representatives and colleagues.   Each Lunch & Learn seminar outlines key points to be made, and includes note-taking forms participants can use to help reinforce key lessons learned, as well as a PowerPoint presentation. Each seminar uses GBA materials that members can obtain free of charge, in unlimited quantity. Many of these also are available to nonmembers, for a fee.

Download:  Workplace Harassment Training – Lunch & Learn

The next GBA TED Talk group will be discussing How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek. Together we will learn, share, and grow. Please join us!

Friday: December 1, 2017
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern, 1:00 PM Central, Noon Mountain, 11:00 AM Pacific
Duration: 1 hour
Facilitated by: Joel Carson
Space is limited: Sign Up Here

From the Archives – GBA 20 Years Ago

As we start planning for the kick-off of GBA’s 50^th anniversary in May 2019, we are dusting off files, opening storage boxes, and reviewing our archives.  One of the most interesting finds are the boxes of historic NEWSLOGs (currently titled NEWSlog).  This discovery prompted us to see what was happening 20-years ago in our association.

NEWSLOG Volume 27, No. 3 from September/October 1997, included discussions on:

• fiduciary liability claims,
• ASTM Standards,
• contract guides, and
• writing right.

We were also warning members about El Nino and we were battling with the Consulting Engineers and Land Surveyors of California (CELSOC) against a California ballot initiative sponsored by the Professional Engineers in California Government (PECG) that would exclude private companies from winning state and local contracts in California.

Many of the issues discussed in the 1997 issue of NEWSLOG were items on which GBA built a foundation.  They are also issues which still require our unified support so we can continue be the preferred source of business-educational resources, specifically risk management and business performance optimization, for geoprofessional firms.

Throughout our almost 50-years, GBA has helped its members and their clients confront risk and optimize business performance by delivering unique professional resources, programs, and services that make them stronger, smarter and more successful.

To read NEWSLOG from September/October 1997 – READ HERE