National Resources:

The President's View

 

Beverly Jacquez, CSI, CCS, LEED AP

bevjacquez@gmail.com

  

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

-Seneca

It is with much anticipation that I begin my two year term as the first female president of the Cincinnati chapter of CSI.  It is also with some regret to see Bob Schrock’s term as president come to an end.  If there was ever an individual meant to be a leader, it is Bob.  His ability to juggle a demanding career, maintain an active family life, and still address the needs of our chapter is nothing short of amazing.

With the bar set high, I eagerly embark upon my term as president of CSI Cincinnati Chapter.  I foresee my responsibilities as threefold, to: 

  •  Motivate committee chairs, who are the lifeblood of the chapter, to become committed to bringing energy and imagination to their vital roles.
  • Inspire members to become involved in chapter activities.
  • Provide a communications link between the board and members.

In carrying out these responsibilities, I will need the help of all chapter members, and would like to express my gratitude in advance for the time and energy they will contribute in the upcoming year.

Over the next two years, we hope to accomplish many things as a chapter, relating to both broad and some very specific goals.  The specific goals will be developed with the cooperation of the committee chairs and their visions of what needs to be accomplished within their committee.  Some of the broad goals, as president, that I intend to shepherd with the help of committee chairs are as follows:

  • Increase Participation:  Many of our members attend chapter meetings, but are not involved in the ongoing activities of the chapter.  As president, I will establish protocols for committee chairs to reach out to members to become more active.
  • Increase Membership:  Membership initiatives will be developed through our committees that will call on all members to be ambassadors for our chapter.
  • Increase Diversity:  Outreach opportunities will be expanded via partnership arrangements such as we currently have with NAWIC and ACI.  I will work with committee chairs to recruit professionals currently under represented in the chapter.
  • Increase Awareness:  Much of the public is not aware of the scope of CSI activities and program content.  I will encourage our committees to become engaged in public outreach, and to think of creative ways to get the word out about the benefits of our organization.

I realize that these are lofty goals, but I think they are achievable with the help of committee chairs, board members, and dedicated chapter members.  I personally invite anyone interested in contributing to the success of our chapter to attend one of our board meetings, or to contact a committee chair.

I am encouraged and inspired by recent years and the strides we have made under the direction of our previous president.        Bob is a hard act to follow, but he has promised to replace his previous activities with new ones to benefit the chapter.  We are fortunate to have him, and many other loyal CSI members like him, without whom we could not continue the valuable mission of CSI.

Since we are, in fact, on a mission, perhaps now is a good time to restate just what that mission is.  The “official” CSI mission is to “advance the process of creating and sustaining the built environment for the benefit of the construction community by using the diversity of its members to exchange knowledge.”  It is through the diversity of its members that CSI advances the construction process.  This means whether you are a product representative, architect, specifier, engineer, owner, contractor, construction manager, student, educator, or anyone involved in the construction industry, CSI needs your input- your “exchange of knowledge,” to carry out its mission.  And, being a “process,” that mission is an ongoing effort, continually advancing as information is acquired and shared.  It is within that network of construction professionals that CSI breathes as an organization.  Our unique backgrounds and talents provide a kaleidoscopic goldmine of information and mentorship available in no other organization in the industry.  In today’s fast-paced construction environment, that is something to shout about, and share, with the rest of the world.

Check back with the CSI Cincinnati Chapter website for updates about our upcoming programs and activities, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.  In the meantime, don’t be surprised to hear from one of our members, inviting you to our next event.

Bev

Beverly Jacquez, CSI, CCS, LEED AP

“In the end, you're measured not by how much you undertake but by what you finally accomplish.” - Donald Trump

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