It is hard to imagine that my freshman year in the Executive Vice President role at AIA Virginia is over. I am grateful for the continuous outpouring of encouragement and support that still reaches my desk from the membership. Truthfully, AIA Virginia is made up of a talented, dedicated, and synchronized team that has your best interests at heart. Our goal is to do everything with excellence and be member-focused. No one is making money hands over fists. That’s not why we are here. We are here to make ARCHITECTS the absolute best they can be for their firm, clients, and community.
As I look in the rearview mirror, I wanted to share the team’s accomplishments that I am most proud of over the last year:
Improved Financial Standing: On June 1, 2017, this organization was $10k in its line of credit, possessed $0 in its Financial Contingency Fund, and held a $25k pledge obligation. Through the amazing ambassadors that serve on our Board of Directors, significantly improved membership participation, the generosity of sponsorships, and prayer, our financial position has an upward trajectory. On June 1, 2018, AIA Virginia is pleased to say that we have paid off our line of credit, will be making a $10k deposit into the Financial Contingency Fund, and have reduced the pledge obligation to $10k.
Positioning Architects to be Relevant: AIA Virginia has reinvigorated its Memorandum of Understanding with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Our first training was last week where 35 architects, engineers, and building officials earned credentials by California’s Office of Emergency Services to perform building assessments after a natural disaster as second-responders. This program is the official AIA all-hazards post-disaster training. By this time next year, we would like to have 100 assets trained.
Joining Allied Industries for Programming: Most notable has been our joint-venture with the American Council of Engineering Companies and Associated General Contractors. This collaboration called ACE, has brought forth Joint Owner Forums where the goal is to educated and promote best practices of the design and construction industry to our members, owners, developers, and the general public. Our first event was in February and hosted the executive leadership of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of General Services. The next one is June 18 and will host the design and construction department leadership of William & Mary, VCU, ODU and Norfolk State. These events are bringing in nearly 100 registrants.
Emerging Leaders of Architecture (ELA): This program was under the tremendous leadership of Brian Frickie, AIA for a decade. ELA was his vision that has birthed into one of the greatest AIA leadership development programs in the United States. With his help, we have transitioned to an alumni-led leadership structure that allows past program participants to continue to hone their leadership skills well after graduation. Imagine what the next 10 years of the program is going to look like!
Investing In You: We have concentrated heavily in sewing back into YOU. You are expected to grow professionally as an AIA member. This is why I have been visiting firms around Virginia on my “Listening Tour”. Last year, we gave firms free Associate passes to Architecture Exchange East and had the best attendance since pre-Great Recession days. We also made scholarships available for our Citizen Architects to receive training to allow them to better serve their communities.
So as I embark upon my sophomore year, AIA Virginia will continue to strive to bring exemplary value to your membership. Join us (RSVP here) for our Virtual Membership Meeting on Friday, June 15 to hear what’s ahead this year! Thank you for your faith in our team.
With service,
Corey Clayborne, AIA, MBA
Executive Vice President