The Annual Meeting and Leadership Retreat is October 15th and 16th at the Book Cadillac in Detroit. This is important because we will be voting on 5 issues that require changes to the by laws. Every member has received a ballot in the regular mail and via e mail, so even if you can't attend your voice can be heard. I'm sure you know the old saying, if you don't vote, you lose your right to complain. I'm hoping for 1,600 ballots to be cast.
I recently took an associate member from my office out to lunch, and during the conversation, encouraged her to vote. The response I got was "why". A little confused, I started to explain why it was important for everyone to take part in the process. I was corrected and she expanded her question to "why should I vote yes?"

My initial response was because I pay you, but that seemed a little heavy handed, and illegal, so I tried to give a short reason for why to vote yes for each proposal on the table:

• Should sections be allowed? AIA National has issued new guidelines on minimum requirements for a chapter. Five of our chapters feel they would rather become a section and spend their time, talent, and treasure on membership over bookkeeping and proving qualifications. If we don't have sections in the by laws they won't be allowed to do that.

• Should the board be reduced from twenty four directors to sixteen? AIA National has reduced its board from fifty six to sixteen. A smaller more nimble board that still represents the membership, but makes it easier for smaller chapters / sections to have active directors. The largest chapter, Detroit, maintains the same Percentage of board votes it currently has.

• Should associates be allowed to hold the office of secretary or treasurer? The proposed board structure does not automatically allow those positions to move up to become president. Qualified associates could serve I those positions and encourage future leadership.

• Should proxie voting be eliminated? With every member being able to vote by absentee ballot, proxies are not necessary.

• Should board members be removed with cause, if they miss three board meetings? There are six meetings required by our by laws, and the dates are published a year in advance. When you agree to become a director you have a fiduciary duty to attend the meetings, and phone attendance is acceptable.

Members who get involved get the most out of the AIA. We are all busy, and the demands on our time are growing, not the other way around.

I want to conclude this month with a sincere thank you to both Fred Butters, FAIA and Ben Tiseo, FAIA for their efforts, drive, passion and multitude of accomplishments in service to the profession and institute through the government affairs committee. This small blurb can't do justice to over thirty years of dedication they have given.

Links:

Small Firm Round Table Meeting Minutes 9.24.15

Regards,

Jeff Ferweda, AIA