TALKING POINTS
From AIA Virginia 2016 Board of Directors
Meeting – June 17, 2016

In a meeting that was well-attended and quite intense due to the insertion of a virtual membership meeting, the following business was conducted by the board:

Strategic Planning:

AIA Virginia First Vice President/President-elect Bill Brown, AIA sought and received Board support (which was unanimous) for two crucial items:

  • Adoption of the Strategic Plan: The 2017-2020 plan was developed with board engagement and was reviewed by board members prior to the meeting. It includes five primary goals:
  • Elevate public awareness by positioning architects as vital contributors to our built environment.
  • Advance the knowledge and expertise of members.
  • Advocate for the profession.
  • Implement a communication program that informs and facilitates connections.
  • Become a model of a strong nonprofit and vibrant membership organization.

Discussion included an ongoing check-in on the plan for progress; implementation tactics by staff team members; and appreciation to those with key roles in the process.

  • Elimination of Supplemental Dues: A key element of the Strategic Plan includes the phased elimination of Supplemental Dues for firms. This is something that has been called for by our members for many years.  Upon much study, a four-year approach was adopted.  It eliminates the dues on architect members in the first year (2017), Associate members in the second year (2018), non-member architects in the third year (2019), and technical employees in the final year (2020).  Firms will be invited to support the special initiatives of the organization on a voluntary rather than compulsory basis into the future.

While the dues amount is set by the board, the member obligation for Supplemental Dues is included in the Bylaws; thus, this item will be considered and voted upon by the membership at the Annual Meeting during Architecture Exchange East on November 3, 2016.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer Jeanne LeFever, AIA reported on:

  • Financial updates: Fiscal year 2016 will conclude with a surplus. While some revenues were not as high as anticipated, expenses have been held down.  Given the elimination of Supplemental Dues, the board decided not to make a contribution to reserves/net assets.  Additionally, non-dues revenue opportunities will be aggressively sought.
  • 2017 Budget: Because of the reduction in revenue from Supplemental Dues, all other areas were carefully studied. With explanation provided by Jeanne, the budget passed unanimously.
  • Budget Projections: Jeanne also reviewed budget projections into the year 2019, which has been carefully studied in light of the elimination of Supplemental Dues.

At this point, the group joined the AIA Virginia virtual Membership Meeting.

President’s Report:

AIA Virginia President Nick Vlattas, AIA offered a report on the AIA Convention in Philadelphia.  As the official delegate for AIA Virginia, he attended all business meetings and caucuses, and found the overall experience to be extremely enlightening, rewarding, and inspiring.  A reception was held for all attendees from The Virginias region, where many gathered to network.  During another regional event, Brian Frickie, AIA was elected as the new Regional Representative; he will represent The Virginias region on the AIA Strategic Council.  The next convention is in Orlando, Florida in April 2017.

President-elect’s Report:

AIA Virginia President-elect Bill Brown, AIA provided several updates:

  • Large Firm Roundtable: The AIA Virginia Large Firm Roundtable met earlier in the week to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern. They received updates on many AIA Virginia initiatives, and held a ‘round robin’ session regarding their major ideas and issues.
  • Nominating Committee: A meeting of the Nominating Committee will follow the Board meeting. The committee, comprised of Bill Brown, AIA (Chair); Nick Vlattas, AIA; Valerie Hassett, AIA; JW Blanchard, AIA; and Corey Clayborne, AIA, will develop a slate of 2017 officer candidates.

Secretary’s Report:

On behalf of Secretary Eric Keplinger, AIA, EVP/CEO Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA, covered:

  • Bylaws: As a part of the process for a comprehensive review and revision of the AIA Virginia Bylaws, AIA General Counsel Jay Stephens was brought in. Based on Jay’s comments, the Bylaws Task Group will proceed with finalizing the draft, which will be considered by the board in September and the membership in November.
  • Dues: The board voted to index dues in alignment with the AIA’s CPI of 2.1%, providing for an increase of $6.00 per architect member and $3.00 per Associate member.
  • AIAVA SAC: As provided for in the Bylaws, the AIA Virginia Secretary’s Advisory Committee was formed. Chaired by the Secretary, the group will include these Presidential appointments:  Rebecca Edmunds, Assoc. AIA; Ellen Cathey, AIA; Sean Reilly, AIA, and Mitch Rowland, AIA.
  • Rules: The Rules of the Board were approved to incorporate name changes for AIA Virginia and The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, as well as several clean-up items.

ADVISORY COUNCIL REPORTS:

Communications and Outreach:

Vice President Rob Reis, AIA noted that:

  • As part of the strategic plan (and because of reduced revenues from Supplemental Dues), evaluation of Inform as a traditional magazine will continue. The magazine is being reimagined as a mode of communication, something new and great, rather than as a specific vehicle.
  • Aspects of the Strategic Plan will be communicated to the membership over time.

Government Advocacy:

Vice President Tim Colley, AIA reported that:

  • Donations to the AIA Virginia PAC are up; consideration is being given to mid-term donations to legislators. More Trustees are being sought for the PAC Board.
  • The Joint Legislative Committee needs one or two more architect members.
  • There is a great deal of discussion surrounding the Federal 179D program; some have been urging evaluation of the program.
  • Discussions are underway between NCARB and AIA Virginia relative to continuing education.
  • The Speak Up Conference on government advocacy will take place in DC in July; he and Rhea George (Managing Director) are attending on behalf of AIA Virginia.
  • AIA Hampton Roads has garnered 100% participation from their Board of Directors to the AIA Virginia PAC. This is an excellent accomplishment and a great model for others to follow.

Professional Excellence:

Vice President Beth Reader, FAIA reported that:

  • Architecture Exchange East continues to be refined based on a successful session in 2015. Additional seminars have been added to allow members to secure their 18 LU’s.  The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design will be responsible for scheduling tours.
  • The new practice conference, “The Art of Practice,” is scheduled for spring 2017, likely in Northern Virginia. It will be geared to those in all career stages and will focus on topics within: firm culture, growth, technology, and marketing and promotion.

Staff Team Perspectives and Discussion:

EVP/CEO Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA offered the following:

  • Governance: Several refinements will be made to governance processes and reporting: agenda and background materials will be numbered for easy cross-reference; in addition to single-item materials, an inclusive .pdf document will be provided; and talking points will be issued to board members following each meeting.
  • Benefits: A benefits package for individual members and member firms is being considered for piloting. This program differs from others already being offered in that it will link members to one of hundreds of companies depending on what best suits their needs.  Approximately 20 firms will pilot the program for nine months before the program is hopefully extended to all.

NEW BUSINESS:

Discussion took place on several important issues and items:

  • The attempt to save the API building in Reston, the only Marcel Breuer building in Virginia – AIA Northern Virginia has encouraged members to sign a petition, as has AIA Virginia. AIA President Russ Davidson, FAIA has sent a letter urging that the building be saved, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources has also voiced their support.
  • The “missing middle” – attention needs to be paid to the group of professionals aged 30-45, many of whom fled the profession during the former recession. This is having a significant impact on firms.
  • Tax credits – we have recently learned that the Virginia Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits may be in peril. The board authorized the Government Advocacy Advisory Council to act on its behalf to advocate for the retention of this important program.
  • The Branch – the deadline is drawing near but the finish line can be seen. With two weeks left in the Cabell Campaign, The Branch has under $100K to raise to meet the match.  Upon raising the full $1 million, the Cabell Foundation will award The Branch $500,000.

In summary, the Board of Directors of AIA Virginia voted to approve:

  • The April 15, 2016, Meeting minutes.
  • The 2017-2020 Strategic Plan.
  • The elimination of Supplemental Dues through a phased reduction.
  • Dues indexing for the 2017 membership year.
  • Minor revisions to the Rules of the Board.
  • A benefits package pilot program.

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