It looks like spring may actually arrive this year. We’ve survived one of the coldest winters and I thought it would never end. Although it may be somewhat cliché, spring is the time of new life, new beginnings, new things.

This month, we will cross the river over to St. Paul for our monthly meeting on April 14. Although the topic of precast concrete isn’t necessarily new, Tom Kelley, President of Gage Brothers Concrete Products, will share with us new techniques and products utilized in the manufacture of architectural and structural precast components. If you haven’t already done so, get your reservation in.

There was a vacancy created on the Board when Brian Schroder passed away 2 months ago. Joe Sporrer has accepted the Board’s appointment to fill in the remainder of his term for this year. You may recall that Joe’s name was on the ballot for VP-Professional, to start on July 1 – so he will be starting 3 months early. Joe brings previous Board experience with him and we are pleased that he will be able to step right in and be an effective and knowledgeable leader. There is still a vacancy to fill for the second year of Brian’s term that the Board is still considering. If you are interested in serving on the Board or know of someone that you think would be a good candidate, please contact me or any of the other Board members. Remember, the position is for VP-Professional.

I have received official word that all 4 proposed Institute Bylaws amendments that were included in your election ballots this year have passed. Hopefully we will start to see the benefits of those changes soon as they get implemented in the upcoming fiscal year.

I would like to take a moment here to wish good luck to all the candidates who will be taking their exams soon for CDT, CCS, CCCA, or CCPR. Of course, if you paid attention to the presenters at the Chapter’s workshops and studied hard, you won’t need luck to pass.

And finally, you should all be receiving an invitation in the mail soon for the 50th Anniversary Party in May. Rod Erickson and his committee are working hard on the details of this grand event to make it an exciting and memorable event. There will be memorabilia on display (check the photos to see if you recognize anyone), a fine meal, and a great dance band. Mark May 17th in your calendar now and get your dancing shoes out.

I look forward to seeing you at the next Chapter meeting.

Jon Rao Papke, CSI, CCS, AIA

President, Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter CSI