July 31, 2025

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Celebrating Engineering, Family, and Leadership Across State Lines

Each summer, the Deep South Convention brings together engineering professionals and their families from Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi for a unique blend of networking, learning, and celebration. Hosted jointly by ACEC chapters from the four states, the convention offers a family-friendly atmosphere that encourages engineers to connect not only with colleagues from their home state but with peers across the region. It’s a time to share ideas, strengthen relationships, and build partnerships that advance the business of engineering throughout the Deep South. Th

The event also serves as ACEC Louisiana’s annual opportunity to honor and thank our outgoing board members for their dedication and service. This year, we extend special recognition to our 2024-2025 Board Chair, Chad Poché, whose leadership has delivered remarkable results for our organization and industry.

Under Chad’s guidance, ACEC Louisiana secured its largest ACEC Minuteman Grant ever, $100,000, which helped fund the LADOTD efficiency report. This report played a critical role in shaping the transformative legislative package signed into law last month to modernize Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development. Chad was also instrumental in advancing legislation that strengthens Louisiana’s Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) law, closing a loophole that was being exploited by public entities to bypass the intent and purpose of the law. We are grateful for Chad’s leadership and the tireless efforts of our board members who continue to elevate and protect the business of engineering in Louisiana. 

We are also incredibly grateful to all of our Deep South sponsors and exhibitors who make this annual convention possible. Their support has allowed us to continually enhance the convention with added entertainment and the always anticipated and competitive Cornhole Tournament.

This year, Louisiana brought the Champions' Trophy back to its rightful home. Cheers to TJ and Jeff for their almost flawless run through the tournament (only loss was to the Hutchinson boys). I would be remiss if I did not also recognize the runners up who I am proud to say are also from Louisiana. Jordan and Barnes (he's twelve y'all) Pearson gave the champs a run for their money but came up just a little short at the end. 

Deep South was once again an awesome time had with old friends and new, and we are already looking forward to the next one which will be back at the Sandestin Resort in 2026. But after 2026, we will be going to a new destination for the summer convention. It may be on a beach, or in the mountains or maybe even on a boat, but we want our members to help us decide. A survey will be sent out in August with proposed locations that we will ask you to help us make a decision on so be on the lookout for it. 

The Board of Governors met on Thursday, July 24th, 2025.

ELOS is a professional consulting firm with a deep background in environmental services, offering an interdisciplinary approach to program and project management. We are part of Aventia and backed by Bernhard Capital Partners.

Our familiarity with federal, state, and local agencies — combined with rich expertise in relevant scientific technologies — has resulted in streamlined services for our clients, allowing them to save immeasurable time and money while still achieving their goals.

ELOS maintains a competitive edge within the professional consulting market by offering a diverse range of services designed to satisfy the needs of our clients, whether they be private businesses, nonprofit organizations, or government entities. Our staff brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked on thousands of projects over nearly 20 years.

Contact:  Jerry Hall, jhall@elosenv.com         
(985) 662-5504

https://www.elosenv.com/

Turner Insurance & Financial Services, LLC

  www.turnerinsurance.ms

Turner Insurance and Financial Services serves clients throughout the entire southeast. Turner is committed to helping businesses, as well as individuals, with both insurance and retirement planning needs. 
•    Group Health Insurance (Including the ACEC Trust)
•    Individual Health Insurance
•    Long Term and Short-Term Disability Income Insurance
•    Life Insurance
•    Vision Insurance
•    Dental Insurance
•    Long Term Care insurance
•    401(k) plans
•    SEP IRA plans
•    Profit Sharing Plans

Contact:  Rob Turner   rob@turnerinsurance.com      
(601) 982-4884

August 2025

8               HR Forum Meeting (Virtual)

11            Baton Rouge Chapter Meeting

15            Offices Closed (ACECL Official Move Date)

26 - 27     Emerging Leaders  - Institute Session 3

ACEC Business Insurance Trust

ACEC Life/Health Insurance Trust

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

BAR Environmental, Inc.

BFM Corporation, LLC

Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP

Brown & Brown of Louisiana

Cadence Insurance

CxA Services, Inc.

Deutsch Kerrigan, LLP

ELOS Environmental, LLC

Environmental Technical Sales, Inc.

Foley & Judell, LLP

Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith, LLP

Gulf South Technology Solutions

Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP

Headlight

Insperity

Keogh, Cox & Wilson

Quality Sitework Materials, Inc.

Tensar Corporation

Turner Insurance & Financial Services