We finally hit 70 degrees this year! I’m excited. I’ve dug out my shorts and flip flops. I went up and opened up my cabin. It survived its first winter just fine and I’m eagerly looking forward to working on it again this summer. It takes a lot of work to build something like this, but the sense of accomplishment and the joy of using it make it worthwhile.

Working on making our chapter successful is not that different. It requires dedication and hard work from a lot of people, but there can be fun in the process, and there are great benefits to be had for both the individual volunteer, as well as the membership at large. This month we would normally be dedicating the chapter meeting to awards; recognizing those people that have worked hard during the year to bring us the programs, seminars, services and products that we have enjoyed.  This year will be slightly different. This year we will be celebrating all of you and all the people in the past 50 years who have been part of this chapter.

On Saturday, May 17 we will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Minneapolis-St Paul Chapter with slides and memorabilia from the past, a wonderful dinner, and hours of dancing. There will be a short presentation on some of our history, induction of next year’s Board of Directors, and a presentation of a few of the main awards. The rest of the awards will be presented at the September meeting. As of this writing, less than 90 people have sent in their reservations. There is still room for many more, but you need to get your reservations right away. Do it today before you forget. You don’t want to miss this fun event.

And speaking of awards, I was surprised to hear that the Awards Committee has received very few nominations. I don’t know if people are too busy to make a submission, think someone else surely would have nominated that person you thought has done a great job, or what. But for all the activities that occur in this chapter, people should be recognized for it. The Awards Committee has agreed to extend the deadline out until May 15. Please get those nominations in. And it’s OK to nominate yourself if you think you qualify. Don’t let all the details stop you. The Committee will verify qualifications and can call if they need additional information. If you have any questions, contact Paul Scheid or Matt Strand.

Last month I mentioned that we needed to fill the vacancy for Vice President – Professional created when Brian Schroder passed away. The Board just learned that we also have a one year vacancy for Vice President – Industry. 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.

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

Jon Rao Papke, CSI, CCS, AIA

President, Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter CSI