Minnesota Surveyors and Engineers Society

Bernie Arseneau, Policy, Safety and Strategic Initiatives Division director, is the first recipient of the Kathy Swanson Outstanding Service Award, which he received at the Toward Zero Deaths conference in Rochester earlier this month.

The award recognizes an individual who has shown exceptional leadership in efforts to improve traffic safety in Minnesota, build partnerships and has demonstrated dedication and commitment to reducing the number of deaths and injuries on Minnesota roads.

Swanson, who was the Department of Public Safety’s traffic safety director, died earlier this year.

“Bernie is always leading traffic safety discussions and plans,” said Mike Robinson, Duluth district engineer, who nominated him for the award.

“Bernie’s passion and natural energy to excite people have been very successful in getting hundreds of people involved in highway safety initiatives. All those around him are mentored to make a positive difference in highway safety,” he said.

Arseneau is co-creator of the TZD initiative, a program that has dramatically reduced the number of traffic fatalities in recent years.

Arseneau also worked closely with the Federal Highway Administration to develop safety programs throughout Minnesota and last year completed the Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

He also championed an effort to create Mn/DOT’s Central Safety Fund, bringing needed funding to county roadways, cable median barriers and improved speed enforcement.

“Bernie first worked for me many years ago in the field of traffic safety,” said Robinson. “He had a passion for it then, and that passion has continued throughout his career at Mn/DOT.”

This article originally appeared at http://www.newsline.dot.state.mn.us/articles.html#8.

Dear MSES Members:

Don't forget to register! Deadline extended to Monday 8/18/08 for Madden's room. Register today!

To register online go to: www.maddens.com, double-click on "Reserve Online" on the upper right corner / double-click on "Group Reservations" / Group ID = 3028, Password = 2928, then you're in! To register by phone call Madden's at 1-800-642-5363.

1. Rebates are still available for public employees who register with Madden's, must be an MSES member;
2. If you'd like your hospitality room advertised, reply to Ann - a board listing them will be posted at the Outing in the MSES Registration/Raffle room;

There will not be an Aggregate Industries Steak Fry on Thursday night - due to many circumstances, they reluctantly have to forego this traditional popular event;

However, Cretex Concrete Products North (formerly Elk River Concrete) is scheduled to hold their Beer, Brat and Bean feed on Wednesday night.

NEW in 2008: (See mailer brochure for more details and schedule)

• Are you a public employee? First 50 who reserve a room with Madden’s receive a $100 rebate when you register with MSES at Madden’s, must be an MSES Member;
• Continuing Ed opportunities: TZD (Toward Zero Deaths) and UPA (Urban Partnership Agreement) on Thursday;
• The BIG Event: added 2X2 Basketball and Horseshoes
• Keynote Speaker for Banquet Thursday night: MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel

OTHER ACTIVITIES: If you're without a four-some, when you sign-up for golf, let Suzanne know as she can place you with others; use the Panache Spa; sign up for wine glass painting; making jewelry or beading; rent a bike - have you been on the Paul Bunyan Trail?; go out in a kayak or canoe; take golf lessons from Chris Foley, etc.

More things to know:

1. All forms are available on http://www.mses.org in .pdf format. (These are the same forms sent in the mail to some.)
   
   • Madden’s Reservation Form with Exclusive MSES golf tee-times (other times also available )
   • Two-page mailer (color) brochure/schedule
   • Membership Sponsorship letter w/New Member Application
   • New Member Application
   • (Go to Acrobat to get the latest free reader)
2. DEADLINE to Madden’s: EXTENDED to Monday, August 18, 2008;
3. GOLF TEE-TIMES deadline is Monday, August 11th to make certain you get in our MSES reserved spots , after which they will be released to other guests and the public. HOWEVER, other tee times are available, they’re just not set aside for us. If the times shown on the table don’t work, simply contact Suzanne to arrange a different time, make reservations without a four-some, ask about golf lessons with Joni Meyer or Chris Foley;
4. ARRIVE - When you get to Madden’s, go to Madden Inn to the Northstar Room (former cribbage room) to register with MSES and check out the
5. RAFFLES – Before you register, check out the golf clubs, electronics, etc., then check in for
6. MSES REGISTRATION - Everyone must register at the MSES Registration Desk (ALL pay $25 Registration Fee) and see if your dues are up to date, check your address, etc. receive your name tag, and sign up for raffles. Hours of MSES Registration on Wednesday and Thursday is 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. During this time, Madden's requires that you register with us (MSES) before you register with them. Before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m., you may register with Madden's, but then register with MSES ASAP!;
7. SPONSOR NEW MEMBERS – $65 covers 2008 and 2009 membership dues ($40) and the $25 Fall Outing Registration Fee - also complete the "fill-in" short application. If you encourage someone to become an MSES member, put your name as sponsor on their application. You will then be eligible for a NICE prize, and your new member(s) will also; be sure to check out the
8. SCHEDULE (Events pages in color , or in black/white) On Thursday, “the BIG EVENT” includes: 2X2 basketball, horseshoes, bocce ball, cribbage, croquet, fishing, golf, jarts, shuffleboard, tennis and trap shooting. As in the past years, a shuttle will be available to/from the Inn to the Multiple Activity Area. The trap shoot range is located 1/4 mile west of the Madden's Lodge entrance on the north side of Highway 77 – let the MSES Registration desk know if you need a ride. All MSES registered members are eligible to enter all events—sign up first!
9. SOCIAL HOUR will be on Thursday, September 11th from 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. at the Convention Center and stay for the
10. Informal BANQUET ($35.00 contribution) on Thursday, September 11th from 7-9 p.m. (YES, it ends at 9!) Madden’s cuisine can’t be outclassed: Top Sirloin (corrected 7-14-08) of beef with mushrooms and onion, shrimp, salad, twice-baked potatoes, vegetables, fresh-baked breads and chocolate mousse for dessert. Remember, you can’t win the Madden’s Weekend or other door prizes unless you’re there;
11. If you need further information, go to http://www.mses.org, email ann@mses.org or call Ann at 651-457-2347, email 2008 Chair Thomas.Mcgannon@jacobs.com or call Tom at (952) 345-4112;
12. MADDEN’s on-line is www.maddens.com.

Hope to see you at the Outing!

Sincerely,

Bernie Arseneau, MSES 2008-09 President