President's Message

Thursday, November 19, 2020

As my chapter presidency begins, it was not at all how I had imagined it would be after such a successful 2019. I was looking forward to a great spring with chapter meetings , shaking hands, and seeing each of you in person. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic forcing us to work remotely and social distance, our chapter had to not only cancel the spring meetings but for May and June we had virtual meetings from our homes. The fact is one of our more important chapter meetings in the spring, which is held in June, is not only the last of our fiscal year but also includes the awards banquet where the chapter recognizes our accomplishments and our volunteers. We also had to cancel our annual Golf Event which is an important fund raising event for us.

I’d like to say a special thank you to the chapter’s President James Bergevin for his leadership through the last year and the transition to the next year. I would also like to thank the board and the chapters committees who did a great job last year and who have responded this year with organizing zoom meetings and presentations virtually (still being able to issue AIA credit for those who have attended).

I would also like to say a special thank you to Ryan Hallesy and others for working to bring us the Golf Event as a kick-off to the new year ! Also ,thank you Jordan Grote for your leadership and assistance in making our chapter successfully navigate this pandemic.

When I reflect on the last year as a board member , I am proud of our chapter for having a successful year, as well as having 7 phenomenal chapter presentations from professionals in our fields. Most importantly, this last year, we developed friendships and grew valuable chapter members into future chapter leaders. I am grateful for the opportunity that I was given to serve as a board member and although it ended differently than I imagined, I am honored and pleased with our successes. I am looking forward to continuing my support of the chapter as President and looking forward to the time when we can meet in person again.

I would like to acknowledge the board members for 2020-2021 ; James Bergevin , Tohnya Adams, Andy Marolt, Mark McPherson, Brien DuRoche, Kevin Slattery, Adrienne Rulseh and Rick Nichols.

We have been meeting via Zoom and with normal business anything but normal we have discussed new ideas and plans to keep our chapter on track during the pandemic as well as progressing and growing the chapter during this term.

Please visit our website: https://www.csiresources.org/minneapolis-stpaulchapter/home for the latest chapter news and events for the upcoming year.

Thank you,