NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION - March 13, 2008
All new members are invited. For more information, and to download registration form, click here.
CSI MEMBERSHIP PINS
By Doug Lingren, CCS
Pride by definition is among other things, a delight or elation arising from something one has - such as a relationship, has done or has achieved. If I'm not mistaken, being a member of CSI certainly suggests these things.
As members of CSI, we are looked upon by others as individuals who care about this industry we belong to, who strive to do the best we can for our clients, and who, through education, are heralded as leaders.
Looking back in time, I was thrilled to receive my first-ever Membership pin some 27 years ago identifying me as a member of the best construction industry organization in the world. I don't remember now who handed me the pin but my guess would be Member Emeritus Rod Erickson who not surprisingly was the same person who asked me 10 years later if I might be interested in becoming Chapter President.
Well, it occurred to me recently, since I have worn that pin identifying me as a member of CSI for many years, that I simply don't see that many others doing the same thing. What happened folks?
I of course can think of a few excuses, most of which are valid:
- I never received one
- I can't find it
- The retainer is missing
- It puts holes in my clothing
- It's on my other coat
- I forgot what day it was
- I'm simply too lazy to put it on........................TRUTH BE KNOWN
Time was, not that long ago, when as a group at Chapter meetings, we circulated a cup which you could proudly pass on to the person sitting next to you without making a deposit, or reach into your wallet and pull out a crisp dollar bill and place it in the cup, swearing as you did so, that you would never forget to wear that damn pin again, until the next time. You weren't alone in this ordeal, as I remember many longtime members as well as those who perhaps were attending for the first time, moaning and groaning over their financial loss. This routine of passing the cup which was appropriately named the "Cup of Pride" lasted for many years and the proceeds were earmarked for, among other things, a potential Scholarship Fund. Albeit, in today's world, many years would pass before you could even afford to buy a book with the meager donations from this activity; but after all, it was the thought that counted.
In retrospect, it seems silly to have to resort to gimmickry to encourage members to wear some recognition of this great organization we belong to, and who we are. Don't confuse this as a warning that the "Cup of Pride" is making a return, but just a reminder that members should take every opportunity they have to show they care enough to do their very best and wear their membership pin whenever they can as a symbol of their Pride.
New members can receive their pin by attending a New Member Orientation, scheduled twice yearly. Replacement pins for those of us who can't find their old one or simply want to have an additional pin(s), are available for purchase from the Membership Committee for $8.00 each.
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MEMBER NEWS - JOB CHANGE:
Mike Spence, Director of Quality
Kraus-Anderson Construction Company
525 South 8th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-335-2708
Mike.Spence@k-a-c.com
Marcus Hartwell
TCC Materials
2025 Centre Point Blvd, Suite 200
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
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