About the Illinois Association of Highway Engineers
Expanding Horizons: Growth and Evolution Over the Years
Current Objectives
Our objective is to promote fellowship and cooperation among its members
To encourage the professional development of its members.
To promote the social welfare of its members.
To advance the professional status of Highway Engineers and Transportation Professionals.
To foster professional ethics.
To promote the public interest through the service of its members.
IAHE History
In 1936, the Illinois Association of Highway Engineers was formed. The Association has grown stronger and broader in scope. The IAHE was originally conceived with the idea of combating undesirable employment practices, political abuses, and inadequate salaries.
After the establishment of the statewide organization, a higher standard of conduct for members was developed, which in turn gained recognition for the highway engineer. Gradually, inequities were reduced and salaries increased, although we continue the battle for adequate wages.
In the 1950s, through legislative activity, the Association was successful in establishing pay schedules at an equitable level. Since that time, it has continued to encourage reasonable periodic increases.
In 1970 IDOT was formed causing a diversification of the constituency of the IAHE members.
In 1981-82 there was a split between the Illinois Professional Employees Council (IPEC) and IAHE, which caused a drop in the IAHE’s membership. But by 1986, when the Association celebrated its 50th Anniversary, it was 1200 members strong. It was in this year that the Fastlane began. The Fastlane is a newsletter published quarterly of Chapter and membership news.
The Association is comprised of nine chapters statewide, one for each of the Highway districts. Each Chapter is represented on the Board of Directors, which meets four times each year. Issues affecting the organization and its membership are examined by the Board of Directors on a statewide basis, and when necessary a course of action is determined.