As you know Chapter 550 of the laws of 2011 created what is known as a Design Professional Service Corporation or DPC. This new corporation allows up to 25% of its owners to be non licensees, bringing it in line with the more than 120 grandfathered corporations who have always enjoyed this benefit; thus making it easier for firms to attract and retain the talent of the non-licensed professionals who are vital to their success. Of course, there are safeguards built in to protect the integrity of the decision making processes, such as 75% of the stock must be owned by design professionals and 75% of the directors and officers must be licensed design professionals. Additionally, the president, chief executive officer and the chairman of the board of directors also must be licensed design professionals and a non-licensee cannot be the single largest shareholder. This law took effect on January 1, 2012. The New York State Education Department – Office of the Professions posted an overview of the new law along with FAQs which can be viewed by clicking HERE.

The NYSSPE Nominating Committee, Chaired by Past President John W. Przepiora, PE selected the following slate of officers for the 2012-13 term, which will be voted on by the NYSSPE Board of Directors.

President-Elect Keith F. Lashway, PE

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
New York City VP Alfred F. Brand, PE
Northeast VP James J. Kuhn, PE
Western NY VP Robert F. Winans, PE
Treasurer Lawrence J. O’Connor, PE


NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Long Island John Sucharski, III, PE
NYC Erich Arcement, PE
Mid-Hudson Andrew Yarmus, PE
Northeast John Steele, PE
Central NY Timothy Taber, PE
Western NY Edward Murphy, PE

The City College of New York hosted an Inauguration Ceremony and luncheon at the college to celebrate the establishment of their student chapter. The event was well attended by students, faculty and NYSSPE Leadership. Past President Louise Doyle, PE gave a presentation on licensure and presented their certificate. Other attendees included NYSSPE members Al Brand, PE, Rudi Sherbansky, PE, Sal Galletta, PE and Gee Eng, PE as well as Kelly Norris, CAE Executive Director. The Dean of Engineering Joseph Barba and Deborah Hartnett, Chief of Staff at City College addressed the group and expressed great interest in the potential of the collaboration between the College and NYSSPE.

To view photos of this event, visit our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276618035710838.64973.100000879327077&type=1&l=0f3519679d

The NYSSPE Board of Directors met on November 5, 2011 in Albany, NY and made some significant changes to streamline our governance structure and enhance the value of membership. The Board approved the recent merger of the Capital District & Tri County Chapters, as well as the elimination of student dues. The recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee to Restructure Practice Divisions was approved, making it possible for alternative interest groups to form within the society, without collection of additional dues dollars from the membership.

The most significant changes to continuing education in New York State were just released by the Board of Regents; and reflect two changes that NYSSPE requested back in 2009.

The first is a mandatory 1 PDH per each triennial registration period in the area of ethics.

The second change allows up to 9 PDHs per each triennial registration period for participation on a technical or regulatory committee that is established by a government agency or professional association. 1 PDH can be earned for every 2 hours spent working on a committee. To claim this credit, your participation must be certified by an authorized individual within the agency or association. This is considered an "other educational activity." Please click HERE to view the new regulation.