UMBC gradslead major cultural, institutional design projects.

All signs are pointing to a positive 2023 on the nonresidential construction front. On one hand, the sector is likely to be bolstered by funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. On the other hand, residential construction is anticipated to slow. Either way, it won’t be all smooth sailing ahead.

There are some amazing builders in our industry that I’ve been fortunate to work with — men and women who lead teams with great success while at the same time building great leaders beside them.

As I write this month’s column, I’m fresh off the plane from the ASPE 2022 Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Let me just say, some of the engineers walking around with ribbons down to their knees — ahem Julius Ballanco — made my two little “Press” and “First-Timer” ribbons feel a little inadequate!

This past weekend, my husband and I traveled to beautiful Charlevoix, Michigan — that’s about a four-hour drive North of the metro-Detroit area. Totally worth it — summer and fall are both great times to visit! We drove up to attend a friend’s wedding. Unfortunately, the wedding date was held during an annual summer festival in Charlevoix, and hotel rooms were in high demand.

In addition to Ohland, three new members of the ASME Board of Governors also have begun their 2022-2025 terms.

Some of us may remember a day when ketchup was placed in thick glass bottles with skinny necks. I’d like to meet the person who came up with that idea and kindly ask, “What were you thinking?” 

My husband and I recently purchased a new refrigerator. This is how I know I’m getting old(er) — I get excited about new kitchen appliances. We opted to go with an LG Wi-Fi-enabled model. I can connect to the refrigerator through LG’s ThinkQ app.

Erin Williams has joined the firm as vice president and leader of its growing Mid-South business.

As I write this month’s column, the holiday season is upon us. The holidays mean different things to different people, but for me, it’s a time to reconnect with friends and family — especially given the past two years dealing with COVID-19.