November-December
Message
District 6 Members,
I wish you a wonderful and safe holiday season filled with family and friends. I would like to give thanks during this time of year to the Western District Board, District committee chairs, Section and Chapter leaders, membership, individual and corporate sponsors giving generous donations, and for our strong District programs and activities. Please remember the District Endowment Fund during this time of giving. The future of the transportation profession depends on attracting and developing students who are excited and passionate about career opportunities in transportation. The Endowment Fund supports the District’s Student Initiatives Program, funds student competitions and projects, waives registration fees students and faculty for meetings, and promotes student/professional interaction.
I want to thank the New Mexico Section for hosting me in Albuquerque in September. The New Mexico Section keeps their luncheon meeting costs down through sponsorships for each meeting. It was my pleasure to recognize James D. Brogan, P.E., PhD with a Presidential Proclamation for his distinguished service and contributions to ITE. In December, I will be visiting the Border Section and Washington Section. I am happy to report that the Border Section has increased membership by 56 percent in 2007. Also, I am looking forward to visiting and meeting members from other District Sections and Chapters in the New Year.
I would like to thank Pat Gibson for all of his efforts and hours of volunteering as the District Endowment Fund Chair. We appreciate his time and commitment that he gave as the Endowment Chair to the District. We look forward to his continued participation in District Activities. At this time, I would like to welcome Cathy Leong as the new Endowment Fund Committee Chair. Cathy is energetic, committed, and brings new ideas to the Endowment fundraising. She has been working with the Endowment Fund Committee consisting of Julie Townsend, Jenny Grote, and Michael Sanderson. A new logo for the Endowment Fund is being developed as well.
I am happy to announce that the District has a new Vendor Chair, Marc Lichty. Marc brings experience to the position as the past Portland Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) Vendor Chair, participating vendor in District annual meetings, and vendor in many other exhibitor shows. Marc will be coordinating with each annual meeting LAC for the refinement of best practices of our vendor exhibits; providing outreach to western states vendors for participation in ITE events; and giving input to the board on vendor related issues of importance to ITE.
The District mentoring program is looking for professionals to participate in the 2008 mentoring program. This program is a one-on-one program that furthers personal growth and career development. We are looking for both individuals having a desire to learn more about the industry and career paths (mentees) and seasoned professionals that are interested in mentoring and passing on their wisdom (mentors). Please contact Craig Grandstrom, Career Guidance Chair, if you are interested in participating in the District mentoring program.
The District’s student data collection fund received several proposals from six student chapters this fall. This is a great participation from our student chapters. The proposals included a mix of data collection surveys including coffee kiosks, Home Depots, gas stations, downtown residential buildings, and elementary/middle/high schools.
We have begun planning for the 2013 Western District Annual meeting which will be held outside of California. If your Section or Chapter is interested in hosting the 2013 Annual Meeting, then please send me a letter of intent by December 31, 2007. The link to the Western District LAC handbook can be found at: http://www.westernite.org/leadership/annualmeeting.htm. At this time, I am only looking for letters of intent from Sections or Chapters - please let me know if you have any questions. I’ve already received one letter of intent, but it’s not too late.
Please mark your calendars for the 2008 District Annual Meeting (joint with International) in Anaheim from August 17-20, 2008.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season!
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