Monthly Greetings to all RECSI Members, 

It has been a fast month with the spring soon upon us. I knew if I wrote an article that highlighted the lack of rain it would rain. So, if I wrote a few previous articles about the importance of increased participation and the need to grow membership in the chapter.   Not to jinx any of those topics, but it looks as though we are on pace to have a really good year for the chapter. I have to say this is in large part due to the unwavering effort that our previous RECSI chapter president, Matt Cardle (and his board) put into play last year.  Matt has given so much effort to the chapter, and the commitment to keep it growing and moving forward is just now being seen. I want to be the first to congratulate Matt on the recent CSI National Award for “Outstanding Chapter Commendation”. Albeit the Outstanding Chapter Commendation takes into account many aspect of the chapter and many people here at the chapter level make this award possible, Matt’s leadership and drive led this chapter into a position to gain this award. Thank you Matt and as I have said before, you are a hard act to follow. 

The second bit of exciting news is that the Redwood Bark (our monthly newsletter) has been awarded CSI National’s “Continuing Publication Commendation”. Again, there are many hands that shape the Redwood Bark but if there is one guiding hand it would have to be Karen Collins. Like Matt, Karen is a past chapter president and has limitless energy and dedication to the chapter. She deserves huge thanks for supporting and steering the Bark (and the chapter) into the realm of consideration and ultimately being a recipient of this award. Karen, thanks to you, and I am very pleased that you are being nominated for a Director position on next year’s board. I am very happy that I will have a chance to serve the chapter with you next year. 

Another area we are poised to dominate regionally is that of new membership. Bryan Varner has done an excellent job managing the Membership Committee and it looks as though we are on track to not only meet our goal of a 3% increase but possibly exceed that number. 

The Construction Expo was a huge success again this year. AIARE did a wonderful job filling the Education Seminar with 130 participants! We sold every booth and table with approximately 70 vendors. I don’t have an attendee count but it was a great turn out in general. Again, Cecil Spencer and Craig Peterson did a great job managing the process. 

The people who are involved in these tasks are not first timers. They have been involved in chapter affairs for several years and take pride in the work they do for the chapter. One of the exciting components of the next year will be the new people filling the committees. These new and vibrant RECSI members will be ready to move the bar even higher, but will need the help of all members to create an outstanding chapter. The board next year will be a testament to the drive to raise the bar. We will have new faces on the board and these folks will be looking into the chapter to find others who are willing to become involved and carry a spear. For each person reading this, you should be aware of how your involvement in the chapter will be enriching and rewarding, not just for the chapter but for you as well; both professionally and personally. As this year has progressed I continue to feel privileged to sit as chapter president. 

Finally, I would like to thank all the folks who volunteered their time to help with the expo. As the English play write John Heywood said, “Many hands make light work”.  But let us not forget that Mr. Heywood also said something that seems to be true to me this year, “A hard beginning maketh a good ending.” 

Looking forward to seeing you all in at the April dinner meeting. 

Respectfully,

Jim Daniel