Words from the President – December 2025
Building Up People, Profession, and Projects - Locally
As 2025 winds down, I’ve been reflecting on what we heard at this year’s CSI National Conference in Cleveland. CSI leadership emphasized three pillars shaping our future—community, professional elevation, and innovation.
These aren’t abstract ideas. They map directly to the work we’re doing here in the Willamette Valley:
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Community: We’re focusing on connection; bringing people together, re-engaging members we haven’t seen in a while, and making space for informal conversations that strengthen our network.
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Professional Elevation: With CSI rolling out revamped education tools, our chapter will complement that with a short “spec skills” series this spring and more opportunities to share local project insights.
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Innovation: As standards and tools evolve, we’ll continue experimenting thoughtfully with AI, cloud-based collaboration, and modern spec workflows—always grounded in what improves coordination and quality.
CSI’s theme this year was simple: builders build. Let’s carry that energy into 2026 by building up each other, our profession, and the projects we touch.
Wishing you a restorative holiday season and a strong start to the new year,
Sydney Mills, CSI, CDT
President, CSI Willamette Valley Chapter
Call for Board Members – Low Commitment, High Impact
To keep our chapter active, we need a minimum number of board members to maintain quorum. Right now, we’re short.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, this is the easiest entry point:
Your presence alone keeps our chapter running and allows us to continue offering education, networking, and community-building events.
Interested? Please contact Sydney Mills - sydney.mills@pae-engineers.com
Monthly Brew – Third Wednesday at Vero Coffee House
Looking for an easy way to stay connected? Join us for Monthly Brew at Vero Coffee House on the third Wednesday of each month, 8:00–9:00 AM.
It’s a light, informal gathering—no agenda, no pressure. We talk about industry changes, upcoming events, and whatever else is happening in our corner of AEC. Whether you’re a long-time member or brand new, it’s a friendly way to stay plugged in.
CDT Course – Starts February 5
This February, our chapter will host a weekly CDT Exam Prep Course, Thursdays from 5:30–7:30 PM, beginning February 5 and running through mid-April. CDT is one of the most valuable and accessible credentials in our field, giving you a clear understanding of project delivery, documentation, and collaboration across disciplines.
Curious whether CDT is right for you?
Stop by our next Monthly Brew on December 18th to chat with members who’ve taken the course, hear what to expect, and learn how it can support your career growth.
Upcoming Events
🎄 AIA Eugene/CSI/ASLA Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
5:30–8:00 PM | Gordon Hotel, Eugene
RSVP: https://www.aiaoregon.org/events/2025/eugene-holiday-party
☕ Monthly Brew at Vero Coffee House
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
8:00–9:00 AM | Vero Coffee House
More Info: HERE
🏗️ Annual CSI Dinner – Projects in the Pipeline
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
5:30–8:30 PM
Sponsorship Details & Registration to come.
📘 CDT Exam Prep Course
Starts February 5, 2026
Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM | Feb–Mid April
Learn more at the December 17th Monthly Brew