With the things we have in store, what a great month to talk about EDUCATION!  One of the great benefits of CSI and of our chapter is the great education opportunities on multiple levels.  As an architect I am required to pick up 20 continuing education units per year.  I never have any trouble doing so because of my CSI connections, and I don't have to stoop to on-line courses like acquaintances of mine do.  Although I learned later about the other benefits of CSI - the contacts, the comradery, and the networking - the original reason I joined CSI was for the educational benefits.  

The mind of him who has understanding seeks knowledge . . . . Proverbs 15:14

Of course one of your greatest benefits as a member is the monthly Chapter Meeting, which always has a program with continuing education credit attached to it.  And yet less than a third of our members attend each month.  Aside from learning something new each month, there is the fellowship and networking - and a really good meal (free! - included in your dues).  

This month you can see how our monthly program and education programs typically work - programsand education are not the same.  Our January Chapter Meeting will be back at our traditional time and location:  Third Thursday 15 January at The Willows on Westfield.  

We will have an afternoon of education seminars on the changes in the recently adopted 2014 Indiana Building Code, based on the 2012 International Building Code, by our own Scott Perez of Arxtheon.  The cost is minimal compared to similar offerings.  Our evening program is a summary of the same topic - at no cost to members.  More information and registration for both the education programs and the chapter meeting is at www.csiindy.org.  Time for a plug:  If you would like to join either of these committees (or any of our 38 committees for that matter) shoot me an email at davidyoung327@gmail.com.

I am reminded of the program in October 2013 where our members put together a panel discussion on large format ceramic tile.  Any one of our five panelists could have been the keynote speaker at a national convention in their industry, and we had five of them assembled for our chapter meeting.  They flew in from all over the country, and I kind of sat there and beamed at the thought of what a great chapter we have.  However, we often find that our best programs are by our own members - like this month.  We do have a cross-section of the best construction industry people in central Indiana.

One should not forget our excellent monthly institute magazine, The Specifier.  Seeing this magazine was my original impetus for joining CSI - I could see that there was a wealth of knowledge available.  I still like the hard copy, but it is now available on line as well.

And let's not forget our annual Trade Show each September - the best assemblage of tradesmen and their products, processes, and services in our area.  With our relocation to The Crane Bay in 2013 it has taken on some glitz to go with the educational benefits.  Our Trade Show has historically included continuing education seminars (pictured), and with our joint relationships with both AIA and U.S. Green Building Council we appeal to a wider audience and have gained attendees.

Anyone who has attended our national convention can attest to the high level and depth of that educational experience - both from a construction knowledge standpoint and from a personal development standpoint.  Many who attend the convention are there to learn more about serving CSI, and there are many seminars covering the various leadership roles on chapter, region, and national levels.  Our next national conference, Construct 2015, will be closer to home this year:  30 September to 3 October in St. Louis.

The newsletter you are reading, The Winners Circle, is another great source of information.  Jack Morgan's longstanding Certification Quiz each month keeps us all sharp regarding contract documents.  We will be adding a new monthly column called Legal Talk by Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP to keep us abreast of construction law issues as well.

Our next big region event is the Bi-Region Conference 7-8 May at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.  Those who attended our own Region Conference last August can attest to the high level of programming and the benefits as we get together with other Great Lakes Region chapters.  These are held yearly, and this next one is a Bi-Region conference.  Every five years we get together with a surrounding region and have a joint conference.  It will be co-hosted by the Detroit and Chicago chapters.

Another great benefit of CSI is just knowing whom to call.  Architects are supposed to be experts on everything, but that is not really possible.  What we really need to know is where to find out that information, and there is no better conduit than CSI.  The old-school way is to carry around one of the printed rosters like many of us do; however, they are out of date almost as soon as they are printed.  The slick way is to use the on-line roster.  Go to www.csiindy.org and look in the left column.  Members only!  The information is maintained on the institute database, and you would do well to check your own information.  It is only as up to date as you maintain it.

January's President's Question:  How about a simple question that you don't have to figure out something about cars or bicycles to answer?  I feel like a Hoosier after so many years, but I am not.  You have to be born here to be a real Hoosier.  

What state was I born in?     A. Illinois     B. Ohio     C.  Oklahoma     D.  Maine

Be the first to email the correct answer to davidyoung327@gmail.com with the subject heading "State" and you will receive a $20 gift certificate from Amazon.com.  The correct answer and winner will be revealed at the January chapter meeting.  You must be present to win.

Announcements:

Back when you had to reserve on the chapter voice mail we were much more diligent about registering prior to noon on Monday before the chapter meeting, which is the deadline.  We must provide a headcount to The Willows, and it is difficult when people wait until the last minute to register.  We will be going back to a strict deadline starting with the February meeting.  That is, registration on line will close at noon the Monday before the chapter meeting.

On similar note, those of you on the standing reservation list will need to sign up again.  The list is closed out completely the first of every year.  We will be using the 2014 list for the January meeting.  There will be an email blast covering this, and you will need to respond before the February meeting if you wish to be on the list.

At well-attended planning sessions in August and October the Strategic Plan Committee charted our course through 2017.  The plan was then was tweaked and revised further via email, went to the board and was tweaked some more, and finally was approved by the board at their December meeting.  We will have copies on the tables at the January chapter meeting, and it is on the website.

Remember:  I am here to serve our members.  davidyoung327@gmail.com  317.777.0855 cell

Please feel free to share any suggestions, complaints, or needs regarding our chapter - or especially if you wish to volunteer for any of our committees.  I already owe thanks to so many for their advice, guidance, and contributions.  We are such a great chapter because so many help in their own way.

CSI Indianapolis Chapter . . .          UNITING, CONNECTING, BUILDING . . .