| President's
Message
By Jeff
Gill, AIA
As
Orange County is a representative “component”
of a much larger AIA organization, I think
it is important to address the contribution
the AIAOC membership offers our industry at
the local, state, and national level.
Most AIAOC members
are aware of the benefits of membership:
discounts on contractual documents, the
power to effectively lobby issues which
impact our industry, and guidelines to improve
how we better perform professional services,
just to name a few. But what is it we, as
a component chapter, give back to the organization
on a larger scale?
As a representative
of AIAOC, I recently had the opportunity
to attend state and national meetings with
the purpose of communicating to state and
national representatives what ‘we’
contribute as professional organization.
At both events, constituents from each chapter
met with government leaders to address issues
which relate directly to our profession;
issues regarding sustainable living environments,
taxation of our profession, and tax credits
for local cities were items discussed that
have a serious impact to how we live, work,
and play in Orange County.
These were stimulating
conversations from both sides of the table
that substantiate our professional value
to local communities and emphasize the benefit
AIAOC members have to offer the leaders
of state and national governments in areas
that impact the design profession.
To the question, “What
can we, as the AIA offer to you?”
the often heard comments made by representatives
was, “I want you, as a professional
organization, to inform me how to better
perform at my job.” What an insightful
response to hear from the leaders of our
communities as a recognition of the value
of our organization.
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What does this mean
to AIAOC?
- Get involved on a more localized scale.
Participate in local governments, associations,
and think tanks. Realize our industry
has much to offer in the way of improving
our communities. This profession has the
ability to be both a critical and professional
part of the decision-making process effecting
our surroundings.
- Understand that through inclusiveness,
fellow affiliates within the industry
are encouraged to participate as an active
and vital part of this unique organization.
The strength of this partnership has the
ability to impact policy at the local,
state, and national level.
In summary, the AIA
is a unique organization that engages the
entire profession as it encourages participation
at every level. Furthermore, this diversity
allows membership to act as a dynamic front
in the decision-making processes that shape
our industry and our communities.
As a final note, I
challenge each of us to utilize our skills
by actively engaging the AIA. Understand
our professional knowledge and expertise,
as well as the strength that begins with
professional partnerships, is the foundation
of great communities… whose success
begins with each local AIA chapter.
Thank you for your
participation, past and future. I look forward
to seeing you at the next AIAOC General
Meeting and Design Lecture.
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