"Summertime and the Livin' is Easy", according to the old song. But this summer, the Virginia Association of Surveyors has not been resting, but rather, has been quite busy on a number of important activities.
The Summer Seminar was held in June in Staunton, VA, hosted by the Monticello Chapter. A big thanks to Kris Caister and his team in the chapter for their efforts. We had excellent participation in our seminar on Liability and Data Quality. Continuing education certificates for all who attended are now posted on your profiles on the VAS website.
At that meeting, the VAS Board of Directors also convened. This was the first meeting of the Board under the helm of our 2019-20 President, Gary Faulhaber. Items discussed included long range planning, the proposed bylaws amendments that were tabled from the General Membership Meeting in April, adoption of a policy on list rental, possible endorsement of the Certified Floodplain Surveyor (CFS) programs, and a staff performance evaluation. The Long Range Planning Committee, chaired by immediate past president Kevin Shreiner, also met to discuss various options for growth and sustainability of the VAS membership, including increasing revenue, adding new activities and membership benefits, shifting funds and priorities, budgeting for a lobbyist, and exploring new membership categories. This committee is continuing its important work over the course of the summer.
There was enrollment of 30 future licensed professional surveyors at the John Foster School at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond on July 23-26. This program prepares individuals for the Fundamentals of Surveying and Principals & Practice of Surveying (PS) licensing exams. The VAS Education Committee chair, Chip Richardson, does an exemplary job assembling the faculty for this class. Thanks to instructors Lisa Goodwin, VIKA Inc.; Chris Cartwright, Tidewater Community College; Mark White, Duncan Parnell, Inc.; Larry Brownley, DAA; Doug Potts, Dominion Energy; Yeoanny Venetsanos, Fairfax County; and Dr. Jan Briede', VA DEQ. Thanks also to Alison Hanson and Reed Adams for helping with the class.
On July 24, Vickie McEntire Anglin, Fairfax County Surveyor, APELSCIDLA member, and VAS NSRS 2022 Chair, made a presentation on the new datum to the Virginia Geographic Information Network (VGIN) Advisory Board in Richmond. VAS is represented on the VGIN Board by Doug Richmond, a VAS past president. Vickie focused on the need for legislation in the Virginia General Assembly and efforts to engage in outreach to numerous stakeholders in the Commonwealth.
The Bull Run Chapter has completed its planning for the 2019 Fall Seminar. It will be held September 20-21 at the
Clarion Inn and Conference Center in Leesburg (Loudoun County), VA. Thanks to Saundra O'Connell and Jeff Warner for all their work organizing the events. The seminar on Friday, September 20 will be on "Floodplain Management for Surveyors". And the VAS Board of Directors will meet on Saturday, September 21. There will be a networking dinner on the evening of Friday, September 20 and golf will be announced shortly. For information on the seminar and to register, go to the VAS website.
Information will soon be announced regarding the 2020 Winter Seminar and Board Meeting, to be held January 17-18 in Northern Virginia. Kerry Skinner and the Mount Vernon Chapter are already at work planning the seminar, instructor, and venue for next year's first VAS event.
VAS provides numerous continuing education and professional development opportunities, networking events, as well as advocacy and promotion of the profession of surveying. Thanks to the many members who give of their time and talent. If you would like to get more involved in activities to enhance the image and well-being of surveyors in Virginia, contact your local chapter President, a member of the VAS Board of Directors, or the VAS staff. There is always something every individual can do to help.
