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President's Report
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Greetings FLASLA Membership:
Our Chapter’s 10 geographic sections were originally created as a way to get members that were within close proximity to meet, socialize, educate and discuss issues facing the profession without having to travel long distances to do so. Before the age of the email blast, webinars and online courses the sections would meet on a much more regular basis in order to communicate with colleagues. While internet based services are a definite benefit in today’s inbox reactionary, 24/7 based work world, they sometimes take away from the value associated with direct interaction with other Chapter members. This is especially true for younger members who want to network with their seasoned counterparts for internships, employment and mentors. For veterans in the field the lack of interaction allows them to be inwardly focused and ultimately is a hindrance to volunteerism and mentorship.
Our current 10 section make up and their associated section chairs are going to change all that. With a renewed focus on membership interaction our section chairs, your volunteer representatives, have begun the process of organizing and developing events that will add additional benefit to the Chapter. Socials, continuing education, tours, joint professional events are all being developed and in fact have already begun. Before the deadline for licensure renewal the Broward and Orlando Sections hosted traveling continuing education opportunities. The Miami Section is now holding monthly socials with other design professions, the Tampa Bay Section recently organized the same. The Jacksonville Section is having a meeting April 10 to kick off what will be a renewed focus in the area. Along with the help of Past President Mike Miller and our Executive Director Corey Mathews all sections have been coordinating with each other and are developing programs to benefit you.
This program is not without effort and our section chairs should be commended for their time and dedication. Now you can return the favor by supporting and attending these events in your area. Have an idea for an event or know of another existing program that would benefit your section? Please reach out to your section chair and let them know. The Chapter would be happy to help organize and support new events in your area and help connect us all again. April is National Landscape Architecture Month and would be a great time for us as a Chapter to find a renewed focus on interacting with one another as it will benefit us all. Be on the lookout for an event in your backyard soon.
P.S. President-elect Dave Ferris has sent out the call for nominations for next year’s slate of Chapter leaders. It’s time to get involved, we need you! Please reach out if you are interested in leading the Chapter forward.
Jeff Brophy, ASLA
President