The Communicator - February / March 2021

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
​Welcome, Chapter 57 Members, to 2021.

Here are a few changes that have taken place in the past year and items of note:

This time last year, chapter members elected and installed officers for the coming 2020-21 fiscal year:  Ruby Arellano, President; Peggy Barnes, President-Elect; Matt Nusenow, Treasurer; and Robbie Hechanova, Secretary; Professional Development members Sheryn Smay, SR/WA (3rd year), Patricia Villa, SR/WA (2nd year) and Patti Zendejas-Feist, SR/WA (1st year); as well as International Directors Ruby Arellano and Peggy Barnes. Regrettably, Ruby Arellano resigned from her position as chapter president.  As president-elect, I moved into that slot.  Matt Nusenow stepped up to fill the void and is currently serving as Treasurer and acting President-Elect.

I am pleased to report that the board of directors has accomplished several important items, most notably the drafting and IRWA Legal Counsel’s approval of new chapter bylaws, which will be put to vote in April.  The new bylaws will bring Chapter 57 in line with HQ directives, including authorizing electronic voting which, if the bylaws are adopted, will be used for our elections later this spring.

Our first virtual meeting was held via Zoom in November.  Matt Nusenow presented a tutorial on the IRWA website and how to find information about the IRWA and other members; navigating the Member Network and how to create a group and how to join existing groups (e.g., International Transportation Committee; Young Professionals, etc.), all of which are available as part of your membership.

The IRWA has made significant progress in converting courses to a virtual format.  If you have not done so, please consider exploring IRWA’s online classes.  One- and two-day classes are the most popular; there are classes available for each discipline and career path.  If you are this close to getting a certification or your SR/WA designation, this may help you reach your goal.  (Ask Kelley Kelley, our newest SR/WA!)

The cancellation of the annual Tri-Chapter Event opened the opportunity for our Inaugural Holiday Bingo via Zoom.  Darcy Mendoza did a fabulous job of hosting.  Emily Madueno and Matt Nusenow worked the raffle.  It was a bunch of fun.

If you have not renewed your membership, please do it now.  Your membership offers (1) job postings (currently 140 right of way jobs are listed); (2) Member Network for virtual knowledge exchange, content sharing and professional networking; and (3) Split-payment option for IRWA dues. If you wish to break up your IRWA dues into two payments, contact Mariah Carrillo, Membership Services, at [email protected] for more information.

The upcoming Region 1 Spring Forum will be held virtually again this year.  The forums are open to all members, free of charge.  Participating in a Regional meeting will give you a better understanding of how the IRWA is structured and how business is conducted beyond the chapter level.  If you are interested, please contact me for details.

The February 3 membership meeting will feature Kevin Blair and Marcus Pigrom of Desmond, Marcello & Amster, and Randall Blaesi of Curtis-Rosenthal, Inc.

Our 5th Annual Joint Appraisal meeting will be held via Zoom on April 7th.  Our speakers will be Brad Kuhn of Nossaman and Rob Caringella of Jones, Roach, and Caringella.

I am proud to be a member of Chapter 57.  The commitment of the board and Chapter 57 members to stay connected and power through this difficult time is a testament to our perseverance, resilience and friendship.

Questions or comments?  Reach out to any board member or me.
– Peggy Barnes, [email protected]

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