2023 Commanders’ Briefing Webinar
USACE District Engineer Briefings are coming via webinar on Wednesday, 14 JUNE 2023 from 0900-1230 CST. The webinar will be provided free to both public and private entities, with an optional registration fee ($100 suggested) available to help contribute to the Rock Island Post’s STEM Scholarship fund.
A recording of the event will be provided to all registrants!
This year we will have District Engineers from:
- Rock Island District
- Chicago District
- Omaha District
- Kansas City District
- Saint Paul District
- Detroit District
- Saint Louis District
- Louisville District
These Districts will be presenting their FY24, FY25 and out-year programs for the benefit of our members, especially the Architect/Engineer community.
Please help us make this event a success. We’re looking forward to your attendance at our annual Commanders Briefings Conference webinar!
Please register for the webinar on webex below and consider donating to the STEM scholarship fund below.
Donate to Post STEM Scholarship Fund
SAME Annual Golf Outing 2023
SAME Lake Michigan Post is hosting their 2023 Annual Golf Outing on June 16, 2023, 10:30 AM, at Midlane Golf and Country Club in Wadsworth, IL. To register, please fill out this form.
The golf outing is SAME’s primary fundraising opportunity for the year and provides funds for the Post’s Education and Mentoring Fund, which provides college scholarships to qualified individuals who are pursuing degrees in the field of engineering, architecture, or the applied sciences and for support of the SAME summer camps.
Last year SAME awarded over $12,000 in scholarships for college and summer camps. With your help, this year’s event will be an even greater success. SAME invites you to support the Lake Michigan Post by being a sponsor for the tournament. All sponsors will be recognized at the event at their committed level of support.
Submission Instructions – Make your check payable to: SAME, Lake Michigan Post
and return with a copy of this completed form by June 12, 2023 to:
Steve Blinderman
Blinderman Construction
224 N. Desplaines St., Suite 650
Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: (847) 875-4432
sblinderman@blinderman.com
2023 SAME STEM Engineering & Construction Camps
Applications are now closed for the 2023 SAME STEM Engineering & Construction Camps!
SAME has been supporting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) events for over 30 years and conducting camps for almost 20 years. Our camps are world-class and feature a very impressive record of producing thousands of engineers and STEM leaders. They provide a rigorous experience for students interested in exploring STEM skills and careers.
Campers gain a sense of what it takes to become a STEM professional and what options exist to explore that interest from high school to college and beyond. Each camp has a unique curriculum that features hands-on activities that are conducted in competitive environments that promote teamwork, leadership, project management, and problem solving.
SAME is also looking for camp mentors for their STEM camps! Mentors have a tremendous impact on the process and campers, both as role models and sources for future decision-making, forming long-term relationships with their campers. To learn more about what it means to be a camp mentor, click here. Deadline to apply as a mentor is May 15, 2023.
To read more about what each camp offers and what the programs are about, click here.
2023 Joint Engineer Training Conference & Expo – May 2023
Join the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) for the Joint Engineer Training Conference & Expo, May 2 – 4, 2023 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX. For registration questions, please contact registration@same.org.
With more than 2,000 professionals from across the military engineering community, private industry, federal agencies, and academia, JETC offers a unique mix education, training, leader development, networking, innovation, and so much more.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
- 70+ Hours of Education & Training Sessions
- Dynamic Keynote Speakers and Leader Panels
- Joint Engineer Warfighting Seminars
- Facility Asset Management Forum
- GeoWERX Geospatial Demonstration
- Exhibit Hall Featuring 200+ Leading A/E/C Companies
- SAME Celebrations: Fellows Investiture, LDP Graduation, Society Ball & Awards Gala
Stay tuned for more details!
SAME Small Business Conference (SBC) – November 2023
Registration will open in July for The Society of American Military Engineer’s (SAME) Small Business Conference, November 1 – 3, 2023, in San Antonio, TX.
This is your opportunity to connect with a community of leading experts, decision-makers, solution providers, business partners, and federal contracting officers.
If your priorities are…
- Connecting with teaming partners
- Competing in federal acquisition
- Supporting of the nation’s contracting goals
- Engaging in above-board networking between private companies and federal program managers and procurement/contracting officers
…Then join us for SBC: Powering Your Priorities! The place to connect with a community of leading experts, decision-makers, solution providers, business partners, and federal contracting officers!
For more information about this event, click here.
Past Events and Announcements
2023 SAME Rock Island Post Small Business Industry Day – March 2023
SAME Rock Island Post hosted the 2023 Rock Island Small Business Industry Day on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (CST).
SAME also hosted a Pre-Conference Social and Networking Event the night before on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM (CST). Both events were held at the River Center in Davenport, Iowa.
This is great opportunity to showcase your business’ unique capabilities and hear from speakers representing the private and public sectors discussing best practices and upcoming USACE projects. The event will include briefings from Rock Island District staff and opportunities to meet one on one with Government representatives and other businesses. This event is open to all businesses, small and large who are interested in doing business with the federal government.
For more information about this event and a to see a full agenda, click here.
Where:
RiverCenter/Adler Theatre
136 East 3rd St.
Davenport, IA 52801
2023 SAME Capital Week – March 2023
SAME’s 2023 Capital Weekheaded to Rockville, Maryland, on March 27-29, 2023!
Open exclusively to SAME members, this opportunity will put you ahead of the curve in planning your company’s acquisition strategy. Hear about the government’s upcoming engineering, design, construction, and environmental programs during the FY2024 DOD & Federal Agency Programs Briefings. Network with senior leaders and meet directly from contracting representatives, flag and general officers, and other decision-makers from the engineering components of the military services and several federal agencies.
CAPITAL WEEK HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Concurrent Briefings Presented by Government Agencies
- Executive Leaders Panel
- Pre and Post Conference Workshops
- Networking Opportunities including the SAME Foundation Reception
- Insights from Congressional Staffers on the President’s Budget
- Academy of Fellows Luncheon (additional registration required)
Click here for more information!
SAME Educational Webinars – January 2023
SAME hosted two educational webinars this month, January 10 and 18, 2023. Whether you are in uniform or a civilian, enlisted or officer, a new hire, mid-career manager, or senior executive, these educational webinars can benefit your career and strengthen your company or agency.
The first webinar, The Real Impact of SDVOSB Certification Transfer to SBA: Small Business COI, was on January 10, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT. Scott Semple, Managing Partner of NewTHINK Solutions LLC, is the presenter.
The second webinar, Reaching Underrepresented Communities Through Engineering For Us All, was on January 18, 2023, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT. Darryll Pines, Ph.D., President of University of Maryland, is the presenter.
These webinars are free for SAME members.
2022 Engineering Holiday Party – December 15, 2022
It is time to ring in the holidays with many of your favorite engineering based professional organizations! Join SAME, WTS, ASCE, ITE, ISPE, and CMAA for a great Holiday Party on Thursday, December 15, from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM at Francois Frankie in Chicago, IL.
This year we will be hosting the party in the loop at Francois Frankie. Your ticket includes appetizers and 2.5 hours of open bar. Ticket price is $80.
This holiday party also provides an opportunity to support Toys for Tots! Please bring an unwrapped gift to donate.
Where: Francois Frankie, 222 W Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60606.
When: Thursday, December 15, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
SAME’s 2022 Federal Small Business Conference (SBC) – November 2-4, 2022
SAME’s 2022 Federal Small Business Conference (SBC) headed to Nashville, TN, November 2-4, 2022.
The Small Business Conference for the Federal Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Facility Maintenance/Management Industry (SBC) brings together federal agencies and businesses operating in the federal marketplace to:
- Deliver the most comprehensive and useful market research experience possible for all attendees
- Learn of and/or share upcoming contracting opportunities for small businesses
- Connect with teaming partners
- Support the nation’s contracting goals
- Engage in above-board networking between private companies and federal program managers and procurement/contracting officers.
To read more about this event, click here.
SAME LMP Technical Series Part 1: Clean Water – October 13, 2022
Thank you to all of our attendees and speakers!
Our speaker, Bill Soucie, presented “Emerging Micropollutants in Water – A Large Public Water Supply Perspective.”
Annual Yellow Ribbon Picnic – September 8, 2022
Thank you to all of our attendees and presenters!
SAME National Webinars in August 2022
Listed below are our Webinars for this month with registrations links!
Electrifying Transportation on DoD Installations – August 4, 2022, 1pm ET – This presentation focused on a holistic approach to installation electrification, looking at constituent mission interactions, equipment availability timelines, electric grid capacity, and grid upgrade timelines, and how these complex elements will play together in achieving a fully electrified fleet. Click here for more information.
TME Presents: Leading the Way in a Crisis Event – August 9, 2022, 1pm ET – This webinar featured Capt. Jenee Jagoda, P.E., PMP, USAF, who was deployed to Al Udeid and was directly involved in the Afghanistan Noncombatant Evacuation Operation efforts as a member of the Emergency Operations Center. Click here for more information.
Which Engineering Specialty Is the Right Career Fit for You? – August 16, 2022, 2pm ET – Learn more about the different engineering specialties, the nature of the work, industry employment trends, and tips on moving up the ranks. Click here for more information.
Leader Development COI: The Power of Y.O.U. – August 18, 2022, 3pm ET – This SAME Leader Development webinar focused on three areas that directly impact your leadership acumen: Y – Your Values; O – Ownership of Behavior; and U – Understanding Others. Click here for more information.
SAME Chicago Annual Charity Boat Cruise – August 2, 2022
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Chicago and Lake Michigan Posts held their 15th Annual Boat Cruise Fundraiser on August 2nd, 2022 from 7:30-9:30pm at Wendella Boats, Trump Tower Dock (401 North Wabash Avenue Chicago, IL).
The 2- hour evening cruise, with our traditional pre-boarding gathering, is the highlight of our summer programs. Started in 2007, the event has raised over $45,000 for various veteran and military family support organizations, such as Fisher House—Illinois and Honor Flight—Chicago. Our goal for this year’s event is to raise $10,000 for these and other worthy organizations.
To view our flyer for this event, click here.
Government Opportunities Business Conference (GOBC) – July 13-14
The 16th Annual Government Opportunities Business Conference was held on July 13-14 in-person at Volk Field Air National Guard Base in Camp Douglas.
Day 1: Grants and Funding
Day 2: Selling to the Government and Corporations.
Full agenda details can be found at www.wigobc.org.
SAME Annual Golf Outing – June 17 at Midlane Golf Resort
This year the annual SAME LMP Golf outing hosted 40 golfers and raised over $5,000 for their scholarship fund. LMP awarded $12,000 in eight scholarships for 2022. Scott Jackson, champion of the scholarship program for SAME LMP, presented the check to 3 of the recipients.
After the golf, the new SAME LMP Officers were installed – congratulations to all.
Join us in congratulating the new leadership of the Post!
| Position | Name | |
| President | Charles Frangos | |
| Vice President | Dave Yandel | |
| Secretary | Aina Vilumsons | |
| Treasurer | Steve Blinderman | |
Elected Directors | ||
| Elected Director 1 | Tony Bilotti | |
| Elected Director 2 | Nik Dobberpuhl | |
| Elected Director 3 | Ken Endress | |
| Elected Director 4 | Dave Guseman | |
| Elected Director 5 | Scott Jackson | |
| Elected Director 6 | Dave Marasco | |
| Elected Director 7 | Melissa Meade | |
| Elected Director 8 | Todd Polacek | |
| Elected Director 9 | Joel Sensenig | |
| Elected Director 10 | Chi Zang | |
SAME – LMP Industry Day
Thank you to all our attendees and presenters!
Presentations by the speakers will be posted to this site early next week.
Platinum Sponsors:
Blinderman Construction | Orion Engineers | FGM Architects
Gold Sponsors:
EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC
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Presentations
Andrew Hunt – click here.
Fran Gomes – click here.
Paul Culberson – click here.
Kip Bordelon – click here.
Jennifer Killen – click here.
Manar Nashif – click here.
Jose Rios – click here.
Kurt Woolford – click here.
Tara O’Malley – click here.
Tim McMahon – click here.
SAME – LMP Industry Day
SAME LMP Industry Day is going LIVE!
Click here to register.
A copy of the agenda can be found here.
Join area Federal agency representatives, small and large businesses, business resources and special guests in a full day session of education, networking and funding updates. Click here to register.
Date: May 26, 2022
Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 26225 Riverwoods Blvd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Presented By: The Society of American Military Engineers – Lake Michigan Post (SAME – LMP) and The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
Keynote Speaker: Congressman Brad Schneider
Schedule: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Breakfast and Registration: 8:00 – 9:00 AM
- Program: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Federal Focus
- Lunch, Keynote Speaker, and Networking: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
- Program: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Regional/Non-Federal Focus
Program Speakers Include:
- Cmdr. Andrew Hunt, Public Works Officer, Naval Station Great Lakes
- Fran Gomes, Director, Central Region, Office of Construction and Facilities Management, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Col. Paul Culberson, Commander and District Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District.
- Timothy McMahon, Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
- Leon (Kip) Bordelon IV, Procurement Analyst, Acquisition Management Division, Great Lakes Region, Public Buildings Service, U.S. General Services Administration
- Lt. Cmdr. Alex Palmer, Deputy Public Works Officer, Naval Station Great Lakes
- Tara O’Malley, Principal Financial Analyst, Regional Transportation Authority Illinois (RTA)
- Kurt Woolford, Executive Director, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission
- Jose Rios, Region 1 Engineer, IDOT
- Lanyea Griffin, PE, Interim Executive Director, Illinois Tollway
- Jennifer Killen, Superintendent, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways
New SAME Members will receive $50 off the price of registration.
To join SAME, visit this link. For questions on purchasing event tickets as a new SAME member, contact SAME LMP at SAMELMP100@gmail.com.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact SAMELMP100@Gmail.com for more information. Sponsorship Levels are Platinum – $500 and Gold – $250
Platinum Sponsors:
Blinderman Construction | Orion Engineers | FGM Architects
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Gold Sponsors:
EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC
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2022 Joint Engineer Training Conference & Expo
The Joint Engineer Training Conference & Expo (JETC) will be held on May 9-12 in Aurora, Colorado. Registration will be available in February.
JETC includes over 70 hours of educational and training sessions, networking activities, and an exhibit hall. The event will also feature a number of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) recognition events and celebrations.
For more information about the event, please visit Samejetc.org.