Program Aims to Triple Graduating Technicians

The Oak Brook-based Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation has announced Vision 2012, a program that will triple the number of technicians graduating from AED-accredited schools. It will enable 1,200 students to graduate from AED-accredited schools, up from 400.

To date, 19 technical schools have been accredited. But 30 schools are expected top meet the AED’s standards.

In addition, the AED is aiming to establish partnerships with 40 addition technical schools that are working toward meeting the AED’s national technical standards.

Preservation Technology Group Starts Office in Midwest

A new chapter in Chicago of the Springfield, Ill.-based Association of Preservation Technology International was recently established.

The Western Great Lakes Chapter will include members in Illinois, Wisconsin and Northern Indiana.

The organization is dedicated to encouraging, promoting and advancing research and training and disseminating information on preservation technology and the historic preservation of buildings, sites and objects.

For more information, call Bob Score of Chicago-based Harboe Architects at 312-977-0333, ext. 225.

SEAOI Moves Office, Library Planned

The Structural Engineers Association of Illinois has moved to a larger office in Chicago’s Loop because of growth in the organization:

The SEAOI is located at 134 N. LaSalle St. 19th Floor in the 60602 ZIP code. The phone is 312-726-4165, and the fax is 312-726-4166

With the new office space, a structural engineering library is planned with expanded space for staff and committee meetings.

Three Scholarships Given in Wisconsin

Three scholarships were recently given, the Milwaukee-based Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association of Wisconsin announced:

• J. Ben Blazek of Ashland and Caroline Wiersgalla of Eau Claire each received the $1,000 Robert W. Hammersmith Scholarships, which are given to students of a four-year college in a field related to construction. Blazek will be enrolling at the University of Wisconsin at Stout to study construction manager, and Wiersgalla will be enrolling at Texas Christian University to student business.
• Lucas Elsing of Stoughton received the $500 Tom Nelson Apprentice Scholarship, which is given to a student enrolled in a plumbing- or heating-related apprenticeship program. He is enrolled in a plumbing apprenticeship program through the Madison Area Technical College.
• Sarah Munson of New Richmond received the Auxiliary Scholarship, which is given to a student studying a field related to construction. She is studying business/accounting.

Canstruction Planned For June Display

Canstruction Chicago will be on display from June 6 to June 22 at the Apparel Center, 350 W. Mart Center Drive.

The event involves the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with a way to help feed hungry people.

Lead by architects and engineers, competing teams showcase their talents by designing giant sculptures made entirely out of canned foods. At the close of the exhibitions all of the food used in the structures is donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

For more information about Canstruction, go to www.canstruction.org on the Internet or e-mail canstruction@aiachicago.org.