Dear AIA Birmingham Chapter members,

I am honored to be serving as your chapter president in 2010.  The chapter has come such a long way since I first became a member.  We have a very active membership, excellent sponsors, a strong Executive Committee (EXCOM), and a wonderful staff.  Without such great support, we would not be able to accomplish all that we do.  And I think you will agree, it is a lot more fun!

For many of you, the past year has been extremely challenging.  The economy has certainly taken its toll on our membership, and I know many of you have lost your job or changed jobs in the past year.  Some of you may even be working in another industry at this time.  EXCOM members certainly understand this hardship and want, above all else, to provide support for its members.  We are constantly looking for new ways to promote the hiring of architects, to promote the underemployed and to provide strong programs, which allow not only for learning, but for networking as well.

It is important our membership be kept informed of issues, not only at a local level, but also at a state and national level.  We acknowledge there is a need to improve communications between EXCOM and our members and will be implementing new communication strategies over the course of the year.  The first of these will be Coffee with the President each month.  Rhea and I will meet in a local coffee shop and invite members to attend.  There is no agenda, but we will be available to answer your questions or hear your concerns.

I am very proud to be a part of an organization, which is outwardly focused.  Our chapter has developed very strong outreach programs such as our intern development program, Dream Architecture, and AIA 4Shelter.  We have been actively involved in and support the ACE program.  In 2009, we started an outreach program for the 6th to 8th grade age segment.  We also encouraged the creators of the Green Building Focus Conference & Expo to have their event in Birmingham, and then worked closely with them to secure quality speakers and programs.  As most of you are aware, this event has become the springboard for the Birmingham Charter initiative.

We want to make sure 2010 continues to build upon the momentum of these efforts and we invite and welcome your support and involvement.  We also want to make sure we continue to challenge ourselves and be leaders rather than followers.  To that end, EXCOM will be implementing six new initiatives in 2010.  We would like to share these initiatives with you, our members.  As always, we welcome your input. 

Sincerely,

Birmingham Chapter- 2010 New Initiatives

1. Have Fun!!!!! (not new, but always important)

2. Provide increased promotion of hiring local architects and promoting underemployed architects

3. Improve communications between the AIA Alabama State Council, AIA Birmingham Excom and the membership of AIA Birmingham Chapter.

4. Develop a Fellows Committee to guide/review Fellow submittals. 

5. Increase AIA Birmingham Chapter and AIA Alabama’s exposure at a national level within AIA.

6. Sustainability
• Raise our member’s base knowledge of the tools and techniques available to improve sustainability in our work.
• Challenge and encourage our members to implement that knowledge to improve the base level of sustainability in all projects, and to push the envelope where it reinforces project goals.
• Promote sustainable legislation on a state level.
• Educate the community at large as to the costs and benefits of “traditional” design and construction processes vs. a more holistic (sustainable) process.

These initiatives have been adopted by the 2010 AIA Birmingham Chapter Executive Committee and Counselors.