Articles

President's Message - December 2011

What a great November Luncheon!  

It was very interesting to hear Lieutenant Colonel Jim Cline discuss conditions in Afghanistan, to visit with some of our SAME friends, and to honor those veterans who have served.  We had a great turnout, including a number of late sign-ups and late arrivals that we were able to squeeze in.  Just a reminder, please register prior to the Luncheon deadline so we can easily accommodate everyone.

As Sean Merrell noted during the November meeting, we are offering the opportunity for firms to sponsor our Luncheons in 2012.  This helps your Branch with operating expenses (we do not make money on the actual luncheon meals) and it provides your firm with the opportunity to spread the word about all the things you and your firm do well.  Details are available on the website, or you can contact me, Sean, or any of the Branch Officers.

Our next Luncheon will be our annual Holiday event, which will feature a brief dessert gathering after the meeting.  This will provide you with an opportunity to mingle and network with your colleagues and will help to keep your calorie intake up during the holiday season.  The Mavericks will be in “training camp” and the Cowboys may be 9 - 4 (WRONG!) by then, so there will also be plenty of non-civil engineering topics to discuss.  In addition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the Denton State Supported Living Center (Denton State School) Christmas is for Caring program that Quinn Spann heads up each year.  Please note that there will not be a technical session after the December Luncheon, but these will pick back up in January.

Last, as we approach this holiday season and a new year, we should all take the time to reflect on what we have accomplished and what we will strive to do in 2012.  I am confident in the economy’s growth (but what do I know), and the opportunities that lay ahead for all of us next year.  While generating and/or executing high quality work is on all our minds, we should also focus on mentoring younger staff, increasing our own technical proficiency, and supporting our profession.  This last item is a particular challenge in that it takes time, money, and a desire to be an active part of a larger community.  You can do this by helping with one of our educational outreach programs, making a technical presentation after one of our luncheons, helping someone become a member, or just talking up ASCE and your Branch to fellow members and others in the community.    

Happy holidays and see you on December 12.