July 1, 2000 

Dear Members,

                 We are a busy profession in this summer of 2000. Time is hard to find. The efforts of PLSC are remarkable: We advance our profession and make time to do it.  In April I attended the combined state conference in Big Sky, Montana, and was impressed by the efforts of the Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and other Western States surveyors to make time to educate and interact despite their tremendous workload. Our own Dennis Mouland and Lisa Isom were working at the conference. (And yes, the skiing is superb). As a profession, our grassroots efforts transcend State borders.

                            At home, work continues on the GIS in the Rockies Conference for September 25, 26 and 27 (The web page contains links to Idaho, Montana and Utah surveyors’ societies). Just a few of the contributors from PLSC are: Joel Schmidt, PLS, who chairs the conference with vision and vigor. Mark Corbridge on behalf of PLSC, and JB Guyton and Kurt Ernstberger arranging workshops on behalf of ACSM.  Six presentations have been arranged. To register, log on to www.GISintheRockies.org.

                The bi-annual Chapter Summit was held in Grand Junction on May 20 and hosted by the Western Chapter, Dennis Johnson presiding. Representatives from all six chapters discussed alternative educational opportunities and the Government Interaction Task Force. Also, the State Board will discuss the Government Interaction Task Force on July 11, as will the Colorado Association of County Surveyors on July 22, in Salida. People are making time for the profession.

                As reported by Joe Zylstra in Side Shots, the NSPS (National Society of Professional Surveyors) has been discussing the merits of a combined-dues membership, whereby each member of a state society will be an automatic member of the NSPS. The fee would be more than our current dues, but less than the current, separate membership. The PLSC Board of Directors voted to research and debate the topic at their May 19 meeting. I urge every member to discuss the idea and formulate an opinion. PLSC will eventually state an official position. Please contact the PLSC Board regarding your opinion. I hope to see the position stated at the next membership meeting on Saturday, December 2.

                It is an election year for the officers and four directors. Take a look at the letterhead. If you have an interest in becoming involved, and want to make the time that all of those listed have, then we would like to see you as a candidate.  I hope that each of the sitting directors and officers also choose to run for re-election.

Sincerely Yours,

Warren D. Ward, PLS

President