Two weeks ago I was both recovering from, and basking in the aftermath of, our 70th Mid Summer Conference. Recovering from too much good food and drink (and perhaps a pecan ball every night), too little sleep and too many hours in high heels. The recovery is (or could be) quick with exercise, discipline and sleep, but the memories and stories remain vibrant and warm: watching a movie outside in the tea garden; playing in the bocci tournament (even if we were knocked out in the first round!); having cocktails on the porch enjoying one of the most spectacular views in the country; learning about the history of the island from the director of the Mackinac Island State Park; touring a brand new cottage on the beach; and being welcomed personally by the Governor and first lady at the Governor's summer residence and hearing them speak about both the house restoration and Placemaking in Michigan.

 I was struck by the number of people who mentioned to me how especially warm and inclusive this year's conference felt. One element is undoubtedly the return of the Fudgetime Players (AIA Michigan's very own theater troupe) and the world premiere of "Pure Mackinac" by General Bob Raisch and Diva Jan Casai. After all there is no better way to bond for life than to make a fool of oneself! (I am speaking about myself as the fool because the talent in our combined AIA and AGC families is tremendous!) I want to give a shout-out to the Bats, (who show up in every Fudgetime Players production), bravely taking on the world's first "bat rap" (at my request to bring in some newer music). It was fun, funny, somewhat unprofessional and even a bit terrifying as a real bat flew in an open door back stage and started dive-bombing the audience. The warmth and inclusion expressed was especially important not only to me, but to conference chair (and business partner) Gene Hopkins, and our wonderful staff Cathy, Evelyn and Christine who all worked very hard to make it feel that way. This year, we went to great efforts to make the event more accessible, providing no-cost housing and discounted meals to a number of members and including younger professionals from the AIA and AGC in panel presentations-- and of course the Fudgetime Players!

Just before the conference began, I received a piece of exciting news that puts AIA Michigan in a strong position to influence policy affecting the built environment in Michigan through Placemaking.   Placemaking is a simple concept based on a single principle - people choose to live in places that offer the amenities, resources, social and professional networks and opportunities to support thriving lifestyles. The goal of the MI-Place Partnership Initiative is to create more jobs, raise incomes and thereby restore prosperity in Michigan at least in part, through targeted local and regional placemaking activities.

There are several collaborative efforts underway to achieve Michigan's placemaking objectives. The Sense of Place Council is one of these. The SOP council includes the Michigan Municipal League, MSHDA, stakeholders and now.....AIA Michigan! Cathy and I presented in front of the Sense of Place Council on July 26th and on August 7th we received the fantastic news that AIA Michigan was awarded a place on the Council. The goals of the council include 1) Promoting principles and practices which create attractive places to live, work and play, and 2) Creating strategic activities that lead to retention and attraction of talent.

Some of the SOP Council's accomplishments include: Significant focus on placemaking by the Snyder administration, a study of the current placemaking social network in Michigan, and development of recommendations to foster economic gardening.

To learn more, check out MIplace.org, and take note of the placemaking toolkit and placemaking curriculum. There are countless opportunities to step up and it is exciting to be a part of this one. Please contact me with any ideas and thoughts you have on where we could go with this.

Sincerely,