My, how everything seems to pick up speed as we move through the year. I feel like we have barely just started and all of sudden our annual showcase community event, the Construction Technology Expo, is right around the corner. Our chapter is never short on events that keep us going.
Speaking of the Expo on March 18, the committee is working on some changes that will improve the attractiveness to both our exhibitors and attendees. First, we are going to emphasize the importance of specifications by inviting the exhibitor to bring ample specifications and related materials to share with attendees. Some kind of competition is being formulated to celebrate how well the exhibitors’ best educate the attendees about their products specifications. Before the Expo, Michael Chambers will present a special seminar to the exhibitors on how to keep their specifications in the project manual. Then, just before the Expo, the committee is arranging for a panel of local architectural firm principals to talk about relationships with product manufacturer representatives. We are hopeful that this program will attract many local design professionals. I should mention too that the floor layout is being altered to open it up, and that the Design and Built Showcase is also being modified again.
Please do plan to come out the afternoon of Thursday March 18 to attend the seminar and then the Expo itself. And better yet, advise and invite your colleagues to come out as well. The best way to improve the experience for everyone is with more attendance. We also can use help from anyone who can make some time available that day to help set up and to take down our parts of the displays. Please contact Expo Committee Chair Jim Gonsman or me to let us know when you can come over to help. It really is neat to see many of us coming and going throughout the day to get everything done.
By the way, if you have anyone in mind who might be interested in joining CSI, please be sure to encourage them to come out to the Expo. We will have another 50% dues discount offer to join CSI and our Redwood Empire Chapter that day and available for the following two weeks. Please contact Membership Committee Chair Karen Collins for assistance in recruiting a new member.
The Technical Committee has its third Technical Forum coming up on February 26th at the North Coast Builders Exchange. Please contact John Guill with any questions. The Forum is free and informal. You may show up just to listen in, or better yet with questions to quiz John on. Brace yourself for a volley of wit and laughter.
Our Chapter Boosters program has also been very successful. We have had multiple members in need of the donated dinner enjoy the chance to mingle with others and make and build contacts. If any of you can donate a dinner for an unemployed or “slow” member, kindly advise Kara Ameral and she will put your donated dinner on the list. Please also don’t be shy about letting us publicize your generosity. We’d love to share that with our members.
Lastly, our Nominations Committee is now working on rounding out a slate of new officers and directors for next year. If you are interested in serving on the board or a committee, please let me know. We are always looking to add new people with new ideas and energy. It’s an experience you will enjoy. Helping create all the terrific members services we have is fulfilling, and you’re bound to learn new skills and knowledge that will help you in your business or job. And besides, we have a lot of fun as soon as we can break from our CSI business chores.
As always, do not hesitate to contact me or anyone you know on the Board about your CSI experience and how we can improve our service to you and our local building community.
Bryan J. Varner, CSI, CCCA, LEED AP
