The American Engineering Alliance (AEA) was incorporated in New York on December 11, 1995.
The AEA was formed in response to a need. The Engineering Profession has been on a downward spiral since the heydays of the 70's when there was an abundance of Engineering projects. Because of the great demand for Engineering services, salaries and fees were adequate at that time.
In recent years, however, globalization and the trend toward downsizing and outsourcing have taken a severe toll on our Profession. The Engineering Profession is completely at the mercy of market forces over which Engineers have no control. We are ruled by the law of supply and demand, and subject to the ruthless competitive forces that govern the marketplace for Engineering services. Given the above state of affairs, it is understandable that there is a lot of unease in the Profession. Engineers across the board do not reap the rewards of their many years of study, experience and knowledge. They carry a heavy burden of responsibility but are not adequately compensated for it. Instead of being handsomely rewarded for their significant contributions to Society, Engineers are subject to low salaries and fees, unprofessional work environment, lack of respect and recognition, and an insecure economic future.
AEA was created to address the serious problems facing our Profession. AEA was designed to be a national organization and to be the standard bearer for the Profession. AEA is not just another Engineering Society. Its By-laws were carefully crafted to make AEA nimble, responsive and efficient. AEA is focused on attaining results. The organization is structured to respond quickly to challenges to the Profession. AEA is pro-active rather than reactive. It aspires to be a major player in the political arena wielding power and influence for the good of the Profession and Society.
It is not our purpose to compete with the long-standing Engineering Societies. However, we do want to secure for all Engineers and the Engineering Profession, what these other organizations have not been able to achieve, namely recognition and a better social and economic status.