June 1st seems like yesterday. That was my first day of officially having the honor and privilege of serving as your Executive Vice President. Now in my third month, I reflect back on my first 60 days and it has been truly incredible! Already, I have spent time in each of the local AIA chapters learning about the amazing programs and services that are being provided. I am hopeful that you, as an AIA member, are taking advantage of these extraordinary opportunities.
The facts indicate that AIA Virginia is one of the best components in the country for you to be an AIA member with. I am proud to share that AIA Virginia and all of our local AIA chapters are fully-accredited by AIA National. What this means to you is that the Core Member Services in the areas of Member Communications, Education, Advocacy, Elevating Public Awareness, Governance, Membership, Finance and Operations are being delivered at an exemplary level. As a result, our membership numbers continue to trend upward.
You may be wondering what to expect in the immediate future from the AIA Virginia team. Well, I am glad you asked. The answer is Hands-On Engagement. Member engagement. This will be a key initiative of AIA Virginia and it is already starting.
First, as you are aware, supplemental dues are going bye-bye through a phased approach and will be a figment of our imagination by 2020. The necessity to eliminate these dues was a message that was heard loud and clear from the membership. You have already experienced the first year of that initiative. I personally know many of you reading this message. I have one and only one request as a trade for the elimination of supplemental dues. I am asking that you support AIA Virginia by attending or sponsoring one or more of our exceptional programs and events.
Secondly, we will cross paths on my “Listening Tour”. This tour is just that for me. Listening.
I will be visiting a number of small, mid-size, and large firms all over Virginia throughout my tenure to obtain a true sense of how members perceive our delivery of AIA services. This tour includes AIA members and non-members. We will learn a great deal from both segments. The objective is simple. To identify and close any perceived value gaps that exist.
My “Listening Tour” commenced in July and most recently included Dewberry and Solex Architecture located in Danville. These two firms have played an instrumental role in the redevelopment of Downtown Danville and are truly invested in the success of the city. I am thankful for the opportunity to spend quality time with Larry Hasson, AIA and Amanda Schlichting, Assoc. AIA of Dewberry as well as Jeffrey Bond, AIA of Solex Architecture. This trip gave me an opportunity to glean valuable insight through the lens of a small and large firm practicing in Southside Virginia.
Lastly, we are strategically engaging collateral and allied organizations. AIA Virginia is already working with the national level leadership of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). Helping students successfully transfer into practice after graduation is one of the best ways to grow our future AIA membership base and improve diversity and equity within our profession.
I am hopeful that you will attend our 30th annual Architecture Exchange East, Nov. 1-3, 2017 in Richmond. We have partnered with the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for this year’s production and are excited to announce our international headlining keynote in this month’s newsletter. You will not want to miss the opportunities to network and party with your peers both in the new exhibit hall location and off site dinners and events. Equally as important, this will also be a great venue for me to meet many of you in person and show my gratitude for your membership!
R. Corey Clayborne, AIA
Executive Vice President