APWA AZ Newsletter 2022 May
Public works are the services and infrastructure required to sustain quality community life. |
UPCOMING EVENTS May 18, 2022 May 24, 2022 August 3-5, 2022
|
The New Normal? My term as chapter president is winding down (just two months left) and as I think back over how much has happened the last two years, I have to ask myself “Is there really a difference between “Getting back to Normal” and what some are calling the “New Normal”? I wonder… I wonder because sometimes its hard to remember what was normal after all the tests we encountered during the pandemic. Yes, we have survived and along the way proven we can be flexible and resilient when the occasion calls for it. I have even recently witnessed a return of personal greetings with one another (which makes my heart happy) during a dinner with the visiting national president and some chapter members. You know the ones, those heartfelt feelings of endearment where we hug each other both coming and going. Those give me a sense that perhaps normalcy is starting to return but I am not totally convinced we will ever get back to the way we were before. With all the challenges we faced during COVID, (person to person restrictions, location challenges, cost escalations, etc.) I am very appreciative to the members who volunteered to keep the Chapter prospering (yes prospering even in the toughest of times). It is their dedication that makes me proud to have served the chapter during this pandemic. Normal or new normal? Whichever one you choose, those of you who showed up and took charge on behalf of the Chapter I am grateful for your contributions. Which is why it is so important that YOU the membership begin to return to our monthly luncheon programs, participate in committees, sign up for PWI classes, attend the convention (state and national) and support this Arizona Chapter including the northern and southern branches. I realize it has become very convenient to participate virtually as we all are busier than ever before, but it just isn’t the same. Remember how you counted on attending monthly luncheons to connect with people you don’t see on a regular basis? The opportunities to network and meet new people, listen to a relevant public works subject, or learn what made a project a successful project. These kernels of normalcy are critical to the success of our Arizona Chapter and its branches. Other critical mission items that move us towards “getting back to normal” is voting for a new group of leaders to guide and lead the chapter into the future or “new normal”. The nomination committee spearheaded by former chapter president Kristin Tytler has put together an amazing slate of officers for you to consider electing. Don’t pass up the chance to vote when prompted. Now that restrictions are lessening, its time for YOU to return and get back to participating in chapter events including inviting new public works officials to join us. I challenge you to participate in-person for our May 18th monthly luncheon on Arizona’s Top Ten CIP programs. You’ll also hear about a proposal circulating for this chapter to host the national convention in the future. We’ll certainly need all hands-on deck should we decide to become a host city. In closing let’s not forget to celebrate, educate and advocate for public works by acknowledging National Public Works Week; May 15-21, 2022. The Governor of Arizona has recognized the date with a proclamation as have other cities around the state. You will find there are many resources you can use to promote this week online at apwa.net including discounts on this year’s poster. Whether you determine we’re getting back to our old normal or consider how we move forward as the “new normal” one thing is for certain, it’s time for all AZAPWA members to return and get back involved! See you May 18th at Dave and Busters!
APWA May Program
New Members
All it takes is to reach out to Suzanne Ledy at 480-644-3808 or Suzanne.ledy@mesaaz.gov.
City of Flagstaff Solid Waste Collections Supervisor View the video below to meet new member Terry McCormack.
Mark your calendars to join APWA next Quarter!
Click, Listen & Learn Webinars & Talking Top Tech Webinars Climate Change Considerations for Asset Management May 19th Find these and other opportunities on the APWA CALENDAR.
National Public Works Week is May 15 – 21, 2022 2022 NPWW Posters are NOW AVAILABLE in the APWA Store
Did You KNOW? Cool Pavement
| |||||||||
Public works are the services and infrastructure required to sustain quality community life. |
