FAQ - ENGINEER'S DAY AT THE MISSOURI CAPITOL - February 4th

The goal of Engineers’ Day is to promote the engineering profession to Missouri Legislators. Every session, Missouri elected officials vote on issues affecting our industry. Missouri citizens drive on the roads and bridges we help build, drink the water that we ensure is clean and safe and use government services that are designed and maintained by engineers. Legislators need to understand that we do these things and play an important role in the public health, safety and economy of Missouri. To put it simply, engineers deserve a seat at the table just as much as farmers, doctors, or lawyers.

Why should I participate? You are an engineer, and you deserve to be heard. Yes, we have lobbyists and associations that work in the Capitol and engage in government affairs. But when it comes to an individual legislator who lives and works where you do, you are a constituent and a voter. Meeting with your legislator and reminding them that you live in their district makes the entire voice of our profession greater.

Who is participating? The following individuals have RSVP'ed:

Mark Bross - Klingner & Associates, P.C.
Reid Catt - Olsson, Inc.
Andrea Davis - HR Green, Inc.
Jon Derner - Horner & Shifrin, Inc.
Jason Dohrmann - HR Green, Inc.
Steve Donahue - Horner & Shifrin, Inc.
Mike Erdtmann - GBA, Inc.
Shawnna Erter - SCI Engineering, Inc.
Bob Gilbert - Bartlett & West, Inc.
Howard Gotschall - Hanson Professional Sevices Inc.
Greg Helton - CDG Engineers
Stephen Hicks - S.H. Smith & Company, Inc.
Josiah Holst - HR Green, Inc.
Barry Horst - BFW Engineering & Consulting
Garrett Hummel - Wilson & Company, Inc.

 Rob Krewson - Benesch
Kristen Leathers-Gratton - Affinis Corp.
Chris Linneman - EFK Moen, LLC
Jon Loos - Horner & Shifrin, Inc.
Sean Matlock - OWN, Inc.
Andrew Meyer - BFW Engineering
Steve Prange - Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.
Jack Schaller - Olsson, Inc.
Matthew Spencer - Hg Consult, Inc.
Sam Tapko, GBA, Inc.
Nicholas Thomas - Wilson & Company, Inc.
Amy Touchette Brown - BFW Engineering & Consulting
Chip Touzinsky - Lochmueller Group
Todd Welz, Quigg Engineering, Inc.

 

OK, I’ll sign up. What do I need to know? Members of the Missouri House and Senate are just like you. They most likely have a job on main street, are a local farmer or work at the bank around the corner. They love meeting people in the Capitol from their district. You will find them very warm and welcoming, and through the partnership organizations involved in Engineer’s Day, they will know you are coming. Just relax and be yourself.

I would like to go with someone with experience doing this. We will put together a list of engineers who have volunteered to take individuals with them to one on one meetings.

What do I wear? You can wear business clothes if you want, but it is certainly not required. Business casual is fine. Wear what you wear to work on any other day.

What if I cannot remember my senator and representative? This is an easy fix by clicking this LINK to search for your legislator by your home address where you vote. This means you are their constituent. Remember, last year was an election year and your legislators may have changed. And if you do not personally live in Missouri, use your office address in Missouri.

Will I see my senator and representative? Each legislator has their own committee schedule and every day is different. However, yes, you should be able to stop by their office and see if they are in. If not, leave them your business card and a short note saying you were just stopping by to say hello. 

What do I talk about? There are several things you can talk about and do to engage with legislators.

  • We will provide you with a handout piece that talks about engineering and the role it plays in the lives of Missouri citizens. It will provide you the main talking points.
  • If you are working on a project in their district, give them an update report on it. For example, what’s the timeline of a bridge bring built and when does construction start. Or if you are a city engineer, talk about what the status is on the new sewer plant or public pool. Anything that will be visible and affects the public is great. Legislators love to be briefed on what’s going on in their district. 
  •  Ask to take a picture with them. If you are inclined, post it on social media and thank them for the meeting during Engineer’s Day in the Capitol. It will help them remember you and that you are an engineer. Use hashtags like #engineering #protectthepe #engineeringmatters. Tag any associations you are a member of such as ACEC, APWA, ASCE or MSPE.
  • Leave your business card and tell the legislator that you are more than willing to answer any questions on potential legislation dealing with engineering issues. Legislators are always looking for advice and counsel from people in their district on issues they do not understand. The know they need help on some of the complex issues that are presented to them. 

What else is there?  Honestly, that’s it. 10-15 minutes of your time per legislator is all you need to do. You remind them that engineering is important, why it’s important and offer to help in the future. Your voice will be heard and the profile of the engineering industry and profession is raised in Missouri.