AIA Dallas Monthly Executive Committee Meeting Overview

AIA Dallas had its monthly Executive Committee (EXCOMM) meeting this week. I want to let you, our members, know the items we discussed. One of our primary discussions early in the year is financial status of AIAD. We are focusing on membership renewals. Due to national AIA sending out dues later than in years past, we do not feel we will get a clear picture of where we stand versus budget until March. We are approximately 23% less in collected dues this year compared with this time last year. The EXCOMM still feels that we will meet the budget set for the year.

Bob Bullis, VP Programs; reported on programs for the year. A great addition to our EXCOMM is Michael Buckley, who is a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Arlington and serves as our Public Member. He and Bob are working on several programs I think you will find interesting. They will be announced in the future. The commissioners each gave a report on their committees and activities for this year. The commissioners the year are Alicia Quintans, Membership Services; Thom Powell, Environment and Design; Paul Pascarelli, Education; David Rodriguez, Professional Practice; and Diane Collier, Communications and Outreach. Jeramie Rittiluechai, who is chair of the YAF gave a presentation on their activities. The committees with younger people are developing blogs and social network sites to keep their membership informed. AIA will be working to develop a PR campaign and branding to enhance AIAD’s ability to serve our members.

The government affairs committee is getting organized to develop a plan to represent our members at the local state, and federal levels of government. The plans will be shared at a later date.

Jennifer Workman, Dallas TSA Director, gave an update on the last TSA board meeting and discussed issues which may come up at the convention in June.

The meeting was adjourned and was followed by the first in a series of firm presentations. HKS presented sport architecture. It was informative and well attended. The presentations follow the EXCOMM meetings, which are held the third Monday of each month, and are offered at no cost. A reception is held from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. prior to the firm presentation. Try to attend in the future. You will see old friends and meet new friends and colleagues. The first presentation this week concluded with the KROB reception. If you haven’t been to see the KROB exhibit, please stop by the Dallas Center for Architecture. It is an outstanding exhibit.

Joe Buskuhl, FAIA
2010 AIA Dallas President