Summer 2009 has been a busy time for the leadership of CSI Albuquerque.  In July we held a long-range planning session in order to adjust as necessary our roadmap for the foreseeable future.  This was done, of course, with due respect to the 'Elephant-in-the-Room', the current state of the construction sector economy.   In the end, we identify a bright future for the chapter and CSI in general, despite the economy or mumblings about the threat of extinction to the beloved Spec Writer. 
 
We are re-energized and determined to do whatever we can this year to add value to the status of being a CSI Albuquerque member, even in these hard times.  The added value includes each member's knowledge that if they've been impacted by today's poor economy, the local organization should be considered a resource to explore.  We have decided to offer reduced membership renewal rates for those who have been recently laid off and had their dues paid by their employer.  We are putting the 'network' of local CSI firms and contacts into action, asking that we all help fellow members find new jobs if needed, or in creating a new niche for providing services or products.  And finally, there can be no greater value to Chapter membership than to have available the great educational programs, certifications, and tools that help improve skills in preparation for the inevitable turn-around.  Regardless of the level of present activity, new developments in project delivery methods, processes, and technology will continue in the effort to make design and construction more efficient and functional.  This will require those who plan on staying in the game to keep up with these latest trends and be well-prepared to put them to work as new opportunities arise.  Being part of an organization devoted to this body of knowledge can be of advantage in a world of heightened and expanded competition.
 
Working toward our goal of increasing the already-dependable quality of local chapter educational programs, our programs committee chair has put together a list of topics and speakers for the 2009-2010 year.   We have just conducted the first regular program of this year which was a tour of the nearly-complete Hotel Andaluz renovation in downtown Albuquerque.  This tour of the first hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places to pursue LEED Gold was a success, considering the challenges in visiting two weeks prior to its scheduled opening.   The logistical problems were well-met through the tireless efforts of our Arrangements and Education Committee chairpersons.
 
Our next major event is the 10th Annual CSI Albuquerque Continuing Education Conference & Product Show to be held at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Wednesday, October 14th.   I invite all CSI Southwest Region members to attend.  The planning committee for this event has worked all summer to put together another solid group of educational sessions with a special emphasis on quality control in construction documentation.  You may access the registration web site directly through this link:  www.regonline.com/csicec2009  for a description of the programs.    We try to schedule this conference during the most glorious time of the year in Albuquerque (weather-wise) and coincident with multitude of autumn fiestas in the Land of Enchantment, including that little one involving hot air balloons.
 
Well, enough hot air from me.  I hope to see some of you at the CEC & PS on October 14th or at some other chapter event here in Albuquerque.  You are always welcome to our regular lunch program meetings which are typically held on the 2nd Monday of each month.  Keep up with the latest in our Chapter by going to our web site at www.csiabq.org.
 
¡Hasta la Vista!