AIA Michigan July 2009 Newsletter

Dear AIA MI Member,

A group of AIA Michigan architects were thinking that it would be a good idea to hold a meeting where business and pleasure would blend. It would be a meeting where architects as well as their families could attend. It would have to be in the summer, when school was out and life could be lived at a slower pace. It would be held in a premier vacation spot in northern Michigan, where the sun warmed the clean sand beaches and clear waters during the day and so many stars could be seen at night that they appear as wisps of clouds to be enjoyed during the refreshingly cool nights. It would be a chance to get a away from the economic crisis and a world in strife that compete for headlines. Of course you realize I am talking about a time at the end of the Great Depression and when America was involved in World War II that AIA/Michigan architects first conceived of the Mid Summer Conference.

A lot has changed in the last 66 years, but some things have stayed the same. Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel remain a premier vacation for people from around the world. Architects and their families still gather there to mix business and pleasure; and for a few days out of the year we can forget the economic crises and world strife. I guess when you really think about it not a lot has changed. The only think that comes to mind is the time and effort it takes to travel to Mackinac Island is much better now than it was in 1943.

So I hope you will consider taking advantage of what our colleagues began for us 66 years ago. The AIA Michigan Mid Summer Conference has become one of the most successful and certainly longest running events on our calendar. This year is no exception. Jeff Hausman, AIA Mid Summer Conference Chair, and the committee have done a great job in bringing a timely and informative program to our members. We will hold our business meeting and receive updates on several fronts. Our social time is planned with activities that will only be available to AIA members and their guests. So look over the program that will be coming soon and plan your schedule to balance private, social and business time.

OF SPECIAL NOTE this year the Grand Hotel, in consideration of our long affiliation and the economy, has offered to roll back our cost to the 2007 convention rate. The convention rate includes all of the things behind the scenes that one normally doesn't think about. This includes things such as meeting space, receptions on the porch, food and beverage service, audio and visual equipment, etc. Additionally the Grand Hotel is making a special offer to only AIA members attending the Mid Summer Conference; if you register for three days the fourth day, with all the amenities you and your family enjoyed, will be available to you FREE. And as Cathy Mosley, our Business Manger, points out you "...won't even have to attend any more meetings". 'Comparison shopper Cathy' reports that her research reveals that this is the greatest value for the money. If you have any questions regarding the specifics or help in deciding what might be the best choice for you don't hesitate to contact Cathy 313-965-4100 or cathy@aiami.com

Hope to see you at Mackinac!

Ronald Campbell, AIA