ENGINEERS WEEK EVENTS


Annual Golf Outing
Mon., Sept. 12, 2011
Blue Bell Golf Course

Awards and Proclamation Luncheon
Friday, Feb. 17, 2012
DoubleTree Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Philadelphia, PA

Young Engineers Social
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Yards Brewing Company
901 N. Delaware Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

Celebration of Engineering Reception
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Pyramid Club
1735 Market Street, 52nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA

Four Decades of Bringing Engineering Out of the Office and Into the Community

Growing up in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Eric Flicker learned early that it takes more than just technical skills to develop public works projects. Eric's father served as a member of the Borough Council in Fleetwood, Berks County, Pennsylvania, and Eric watched as his father and other community leaders struggled to bring to fruition public improvement projects to support and serve their growing community. Seeing these projects develop and better the lives of those around him led to an interest in engineering from an early age, and seeing the way his father worked with the people of Fleetwood towards the betterment of the community made Eric committed to continue that legacy.

During high school and while studying engineering at Lehigh University, Eric worked during summer and vacation breaks at Spotts Engineering (now known as Spotts, Stevens and McCoy). His job there confirmed what he already knew: he had not only a love for engineering, but also for non-technical project development, in particular project financing, that helped to improve the world around him. It was also at this time that Eric began his long-time association with the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers, becoming an active member of the student chapters at Lehigh. This early experience helped to sow the seeds for a 40-year career of service to the engineering community.

Having experience in engineering that runs the gamut from project design to project management, from serving as a principal engineer to his current position as CFO of Pennoni Associates Inc., Eric is a true engineering "Jack of all Trades." While his involvement in the day-to-day practice of engineering has given him years of satisfaction, it is his work in promoting the profession that is his proudest

When accepting the state Presidency of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers in 1990, Eric promoted the theme of "Proud to be a P.E.," seeking to gain recognition for the profession. In this role, he initiated joint meetings with other technical and professional societies in an effort to find ways to cooperatively serve the public and the profession. As the Elected National Chairman of HWAC, Eric gave Congressional testimony on issues of hazardous waste practices. Working with ACEC-PA, PSLS, and PSPE, Eric served as the Founding Chairman of the Board for the Pennsylvania Design Association Center, designed as a single joint

As National Chairman of ACEC, Eric strived to find ways to develop more cooperative ventures among the often fragmented engineering profession. He represented ACEC with peer and technical societies, and met with Congressional and Administration leaders to promote our profession and seek support in dealing with engineering's unique business needs.

While Eric has been privileged in his career to have the opportunity to meet with many of the most important people in national, state, and local government, he is equally as comfortable dealing with members of the community, and especially enjoys service that enables him to bring the message and values of the engineering profession to children. He served as the Founding State Coordinator for MathCounts in Pennsylvania, and has been a constant supporter of the event for over 20 years. He serves year after year as the Countdown Round Moderator, and plans to continue his involvement for years to come. Through his participation in the Habitat for Humanity Build a House, Build a Dream competition, Eric encourages youth to see the value and importance of the engineering profession. He also actively brings the engineering community to this worthwhile event by recruiting his engineering peers as judges and sponsors of the event.

Eric L. Flicker, P.E., embodies the spirit intended for recognition as the Delaware Valley Engineer of the Year. Many in the engineering community have technical credentials that make them outstanding members of the profession; few have stepped beyond the technical realm and reached into their communities to represent the engineer as a leader. Eric has spent more than 40 years bringing engineering out of the office and into the community. Through consistent industry involvement, community service, and an in-depth knowledge of the profession, he has served as an ambassador for engineering on a local, regional, state, and national level. Eric is equally comfortable speaking to a group of peers, meeting with senior politicians in Washington to discuss policy, or working with middle school student Mathletes. He is a constant force in the engineering world; a face that his clients, peers, and community have come to rely on as a trusted advisor.

The Delaware Valley Engineer's Week Council sets an example for the nation of how a multi-state, multi-organization program can be successful. Eric's continuing work towards unifying the profession by involving all of the professional and technical groups in efforts to represent the engineering community makes him an outstanding choice for the 2006 Delaware Valley Engineer of the Year.