Updated July 1, 2008

News and Other Information of Interest

          TSPE State Awards - 2008

The TSPE State Awards were announced at the Annual Meeting in June.  The following were recognized for their contributions to TSPE and the engineering profession:

Professional Engineer in Government - Philip Lim, PE, Memphis Light, Gas and Water

Young Engineer - Dyan Damron, PE, Neel-Schaffer, Nashville

Outstanding Engineer - Steve Lane, PE, Smith Seckman Reid, Nashville

Distinguished Service - Sandra Knight, PE, Bradley County Engineer

Outstanding Employer of the Year - Bradley County

 

2008 Engineers' Day on the Hill

We had a great turnout for Engineers' Day on the Hill in spite of the threat of snow!  Click 2008 issues for a quick summary of legislation that's been proposed that would impact the engineering profession.  We talked with legislators about these issues on March 4 - Engineers' Day on the Hill.

Text of the bills and TSPE and ACEC of TN's issue briefs are available:

SB0210/HB84 - licensure of interior designers

SB2978/HB2985 - threshold for public works projects

SB1888/HB 2118 - licensure of soil scientists

It's not too late to contact your legislators (State Senator and State Representative) to communicate your concerns or your support of the issues.

Don't know who your legislator is?

http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/

Click on House, then Members, to find your State Representative

Click on Senate, then Members, to find your State Senator

 

TSPE Bylaws and Operating Procedures Approved

On December 6, the TSPE Tellers' Committee, chaired by Secretary David Harrell, ratified the ballots and reported to the TSPE Board that TSPE no longer has a Constitution - by a vote of the membership, the Society has amended its Bylaws and now has Operating Procedures.

Building and Fire Codes

A coalition of organizations in the design and construction industry (including TSPE and ACEC) recommended the adoption of  the International Building and Fire Codes. 

TN Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Leslie Newman has announced that the 2006 International Building Code, which was adopted by emergency rule in January, will be permanently adopted effective September 1, 2008.  More information is available on the State Fire Marshal's web site.

Commissioner Newman requests your input on the proposal to adopt the 2006 International Fire Code and the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101).  There are several other changes in the rulemaking hearing notice, including a dispute resolution process for issues with the State Fire Marshal (which TSPE also supported), and increasing the fees for plans review.

You are urged to express your views on the fire codes adoption to Deputy Commissioner Mary Moody.  Please send a copy your comments to Candy Toler.  Thanks.

Rationale for the TSPE Board support of the International Fire Code is that it would better protect the public if codes that were designed to work together were adopted.  There would be fewer conflicts and more consistency in building plans.  Most TN cities have already adopted both the 2006 International Building Code and the 2006 International Fire Code.  Many other states have also adopted both International codes.

Did you know that the Plans Review Section (in the State Fire Marshal's office) has what they call "correction lists" on the web site which are the most commonly missed items on submitted plans.  The lists might be a handy reference for you - www.state.tn.us/commerce/sfm/plans.html 

 

 

 

 

Click on MATHCOUNTS for information about the 2009 Competition

2008 State MATHCOUNTS Competition results

 

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Have you seen NSPE's brochure?

The Best Engineers Have One Thing In Common . . . And it's Worth Looking For

If you are encouraging someone to follow the PE path, this brochure might be helpful.  It might also be helpful to explain to the general public the difference between an engineering graduate and a Professional Engineer. To see it, click on the link:  The Best Engineers

NSPE Webinars

For information about the schedule of NSPE webinars,
click on this link:
http://www.tnspe.org/ContinuingEd/education.htm

TSPE will promote the ethical and competent practice of engineering and advocate licensure, serve the needs of and enhance the image and well being of all engineering professionals, and promote the involvement of engineers in society.

Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers
Tennessee Engineering Center  •  800 Fort Negley Boulevard  •  Nashville, TN 37203
615-242-2486  •  Fax 615-254-1923  •  ctoler@tnec.org