TABLE OF I CONTENTS ENGINEERING NC. M AY / J U N E 2 0 0 4 V o l . 15, No. 3 F E AT U R E S HIRE STANDARDS 14 14 Learn what steps your firm needs to take to ensure you hire the right person. By Dana Wilkie EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS 18 Engineering firms upgrade their technology to enhance communications 22 and prospects for success. 18 By Joseph C. Panettieri C OV E R STORY ENGINEERING AMERICA'S FUTURE 22 More than 1,000 members and guests from across the nation attended the three-day Consulting Congress Day event, which also featured the Federal Markets Conference and the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala. Weidlinger Associates of New York City received the Grand Conceptor Award for the year's best engineering project. COVER PHOTO BY FORREST MACCORMACK D E PA R T M E N T S FROM ACEC TO YOU 2 LEGISL ATIVE ACTION 12 6 ACEC members made a difference on Progress on transportation bill. ACEC Capitol Hill during CCD. weighs in on proposed SBA size standard changes. Drought relief MEMBERS ASK 4 legislation and tax bill move ahead. Members provide their thoughts on the MEMBERS IN THE NEWS 46 most valuable employee benefits offered at their firms. SOMAT receives FHWA award. Several member firms in mergers NEWS & NOTES 6 and acquisitions. ACEC appoints Jeff Beard to head up the Institute for Business Management. Are today's technological devices tomorrow's hazardous e-waste? Americans have highest regard for engineers. Engineering Inc. promotes the advocacy and business interests of ACEC by offering news, legislative analysis and business practice information to member firms, clients, opinion leaders and policy makers. The articles and editorials appearing in this magazine do not represent an official ACEC position or policy unless specifically identified as such.