President's Message December 2001

The year 2001 has brought on change – all for the betterment of our Chapter as we continue to grow and prosper:

  • Our Chapter has increased by 8% to 183 members.
  • Allied membership has increased by 145% to 27 members.
  • Effective January 1, 2002, we will have a new toll-free telephone line. Our current listing of 610-434-8033 will post the new telephone number when available. Regional 2002 phone directories will be updated accordingly.
  • Effective January 1, 2002, we will have a new address hosted by AIA PA: AIA Eastern Pennsylvania, 1405 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102-2634
  • We will have a new web page fully up and running by January 1, 2002 with linked access to AIA PA and other chapters throughout the state. Log on @ www.aiapa.org/aiaepc.
  • Our Kiosk has taken on a face-lift and a welcome format change – our convenient letter size will now fit into your zerox and fax machines.
  • Jim Spinola, AIA of W2A Design Group will be serving as 2002 AIA Eastern PA Treasurer. Welcome aboard Jim! Jim’s significant contribution and experience with CSI will be a welcome addition and asset to AIA Eastern PA.
  • John Schoonover, AIA of Schoonover Vanderhoof Architects has been elected President of AIA PA for the 2003 term. He will be serving as President Elect in 2002. Congratulations John! Without question, we will be well served knowing the passion and concern John has for our profession. Those who know John will agree that AIA PA made an excellent and wise choice.
  • We were honored by AIA Northeastern PA requesting AIA Eastern PA juror their first design competition in 27 years. Many thanks to the contributions made by our well-qualified jury of Robin Breslin, John Michael and Wayne Vanderhoof to help make Northeastern’s design competition highly successful.
  • Once again, thanks to the efforts of John Hill, AIA, all design award submissions will be published in the January 28th edition of the Eastern Pennsylvania Business Journal AIA Supplement. Please remember to consider advertising in the journal – your support helps make the publication work!
  • Our organization continues to maintain substantial financial stability with an increased average annual income reserve of approximately 25% beyond budgeted obligations. Please refer to the enclosed budget report for additional information.

As you can see, we have been busy! It has been a very good year for AIA Eastern Pennsylvania due in large part to the increasing support and active participation of our membership in the many activities and programs we sponsor. Certainly the success we have experienced has not been by accident – many thanks to all the efforts and time contributed by our dedicated executive committee and directors, whom I would like to individually acknowledge and personally thank for making AIA EP a great experience:

  • Jeff Gross, AIA   President-Elect
  • John C. Watkins,   AIA Treasurer
  • Stuart J. Gouck, AIA   Secretary
  • Michele Solt, Assoc. AIA   Kiosk Editor
  • John R. Hill, AIA   Past President
  • John Schoonover, AIA   AIA PA Director
  • David R. Drake, AIA   AIA PA Director
  • Howard L. Kulp, AIA AIA PA Alternate Director

Life really is all about one thing – relationships! With that being the measuring stick, AIA EP has paid huge dividends. It has been a great ride, and I am grateful to all that have made it so.

Best wishes always and God Bless!

Robert D. Kaplan, Jr., AIA
President, AIA Eastern Pennsylvania

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