I think more than any other time of year, fall so dramatically identifies the changing of the seasons with its colorful leaves of gold, orange, and red. It is a transition time of hot to cold, which in Minnesota might only last a couple of weeks. But for many people, it’s their favorite season.

Some of the definitions that Webster gives for change are: 1. make into a different form. 2. become different. 3. variety. Change be a bit frightening or disruptive, especially if we are unfamiliar with the change. But it can also be exciting. Working for a major retailer, I’ve seen first hand that if you don’t change, you will get left behind by the competition. This is true in the construction industry. Manufacturers need to keep updating their products or they won’t get specified or purchased. Architects and engineers need to keep up on the latest developments for their services to remain valued. One of the tricks to dealing with change is to make sure you understand it.

For the September Chapter meeting we had a few enjoyable changes. The meeting was held outside in a tent with a pig roast. What a great way to kick off the new program year! And even though the location (Rockford, MN) was a bit of drive, the event was well attended. Prairie Technologies/ERSystems hosted the event at their campus. We were given tours of their roof garden by Ric Riebe, highlighting the different sustainable systems for green roofs, roof coatings, wind power, and solar collectors. The dinner presentation was great; given by Tim Leonard, LEED AP, CEO of ERSystems and a principal with Prairie Technologies. There were a few surprising new things that I learned. Thanks to Nancy Gulliford, Bruce Saline, and others from the Programs Committee for an enjoyable and educational evening.

There are several changes happening at Institute. These changes will help provide better service to the members. And fortunately for most of us, we will see only the benefit of those changes, and not the pain of the restructuring. Last year, we were presented a major change in the Board structure, mostly by reducing the number of Institute Directors. I’m not going to get into a lot of details here. But it took many months of research and the services of an outside consultant to deve lop their proposal, which was narrowly defeated by the members who voted. This year, under the leadership of former Institute President Gary Betts, the Governance Task Team is looking at this again, hoping to address the concerns of the members. I submit to you that this is not a change to be afraid of. The Institute needs to grow and change to meet the needs of today’s construction environment. Your job, as a member of CSI, is to become familiar with the proposals that will be presented in the upcoming months. You can review the current proposal at www.csinet.org; click on “Membership” and then “Governance”. If you want to talk to someone locally more knowledgeable than me on this subject, I will overextend myself a little and suggest our own Institute Directors Sheldon Wolfe and John “Grif” Griffith, along with past Director Bob Saumur.

Let me finish up by suggesting some changes to help you. If you haven’t achieved one of CSI’s certifications, consider taking on that challenge this year. Getting your CDT or one of the advanced certifications is a great way to show to your customers, clients, and others in the construction industry that you understand the changes happening in our field. Also, take advantage of the Chapter’s fine educational opportunities through seminars and monthl y program meetings.

As I mentioned above, change can be scary and it can be exciting, but it can also be beneficial.

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