I'm writing this from a very large conference room in Phoenix at the AIA KLA meeting. We ar working on developing a strategy for AIA's Knowledge Communities. I'm very interested in seeing where this goes and contributing.
The weather is interesting. The high temperature is supposed to be 110 degrees to day and 115 on Saturday when I leave. I don't think I packed enough shirts.
See you soon.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
MasterFormat 1995 Obituary
I hope many of you were able to travel to CONSTRUCT2009 and the CSI Show last week. One of the more interesting things that happened at the Board Meeting on Tuesday was a recommendation to discontinue support and pull the licenses for MasterFormat 1995 Edition at the end of the 2009 calendar year.
The bottom line for users is that the master guide specifications will only be available in the 2004 version in 2010. The MF2004 numbers and titles came out five years ago. The hardcopy became available for purchase in November 2004. So, the Board's decision reflects that a five year transition period is sufficient. So, here's your six month warning.
While this may cause some pain for those who have refused to transition to the more robust version, it eliminates the need for pubishers to continue producing two versions of their product. One of the reasons we were inclined to make this decision, was a lunch presentation by one of our integrators, who described their new product and indicated it would only be available in the 2004 Edition.
I think the light went on above everyone's head. If you're going to develop and promote a standard, then you should stand behind and support it. You can't have two vastly different versions of the standard on the street for an indefinite period of time. Dennis Hall and I, along with two members of the Indianapolis Chapter met with some folks from the state of Indiana last Wednesday. We wanted to let them know, while we were their what was happening well in advance, so they could plan an orderly transition.
I look forward to your comments. See you soon.
The bottom line for users is that the master guide specifications will only be available in the 2004 version in 2010. The MF2004 numbers and titles came out five years ago. The hardcopy became available for purchase in November 2004. So, the Board's decision reflects that a five year transition period is sufficient. So, here's your six month warning.
While this may cause some pain for those who have refused to transition to the more robust version, it eliminates the need for pubishers to continue producing two versions of their product. One of the reasons we were inclined to make this decision, was a lunch presentation by one of our integrators, who described their new product and indicated it would only be available in the 2004 Edition.
I think the light went on above everyone's head. If you're going to develop and promote a standard, then you should stand behind and support it. You can't have two vastly different versions of the standard on the street for an indefinite period of time. Dennis Hall and I, along with two members of the Indianapolis Chapter met with some folks from the state of Indiana last Wednesday. We wanted to let them know, while we were their what was happening well in advance, so they could plan an orderly transition.
I look forward to your comments. See you soon.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The truth about the Ohio Construction Reform Panel
There has been a lot of newspaper coverage about the recommendations of the construction reform panel in the past few days. I firmly believe that the writers are trying to capture the facts of a very complex issue in such a way that their readers will be interested. Unfortunately, there are several articles that have an error here or there that changes the meaning entirely.
I've also read a number of blog entries or comments on the articles that don't grasp the issues as well as they should, or could. A number of these deal with the incentive issues. Some of them discuss the nature of the project delivery methods. There have also been several letters written to our political leaders that, while intended to express concern, do not address the facts of the report. They warn of the elimination of competitive bidding and waste of taxpayer dollars.
I would suggest that the best way for those of us actually involved in the design and construction industry to understand the recommendations, is to obtain and read the report. My intent with this post is not to try and influence your thinking in any way. I merely wish to point you to the unfiltered information and allow you the opportunity to make up your own mind. The report is available on the State Architect's Web site at www.ohio.gov/sao and if you click on the green box on the upper left corner under the banner, you can download a PDF copy.
The truth about the panel is that a very diverse group of individuals representing a wide array of constituencies got together, discussed how to improve the ways the state manages the public construction process in Ohio, and actually agreed on enough items to provide meaningful reform. The panel was also very interested in seeing how the recommendations would be implemented and demanded to see the legislative language before they would finalize the report.
The bottom line is a carefully negotiated set of recommendations that are incredibly integrated and provide the first chance for meaningful change in this industry in our state. The panel members have agreed to work together to pass the legislation intact. If someone starts picking at loose threads, the whole garment could begin to unravel. This isn't a plan that would work anywhere but our state. The elements are unique to Ohio.
Read the report, make your own decision about it, and let's move our state into the 21st Century. See you soon.
I've also read a number of blog entries or comments on the articles that don't grasp the issues as well as they should, or could. A number of these deal with the incentive issues. Some of them discuss the nature of the project delivery methods. There have also been several letters written to our political leaders that, while intended to express concern, do not address the facts of the report. They warn of the elimination of competitive bidding and waste of taxpayer dollars.
I would suggest that the best way for those of us actually involved in the design and construction industry to understand the recommendations, is to obtain and read the report. My intent with this post is not to try and influence your thinking in any way. I merely wish to point you to the unfiltered information and allow you the opportunity to make up your own mind. The report is available on the State Architect's Web site at www.ohio.gov/sao and if you click on the green box on the upper left corner under the banner, you can download a PDF copy.
The truth about the panel is that a very diverse group of individuals representing a wide array of constituencies got together, discussed how to improve the ways the state manages the public construction process in Ohio, and actually agreed on enough items to provide meaningful reform. The panel was also very interested in seeing how the recommendations would be implemented and demanded to see the legislative language before they would finalize the report.
The bottom line is a carefully negotiated set of recommendations that are incredibly integrated and provide the first chance for meaningful change in this industry in our state. The panel members have agreed to work together to pass the legislation intact. If someone starts picking at loose threads, the whole garment could begin to unravel. This isn't a plan that would work anywhere but our state. The elements are unique to Ohio.
Read the report, make your own decision about it, and let's move our state into the 21st Century. See you soon.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Home sweet home
Well, as much as I enjoyed the jaunt to Arlington, I am so glad to be back in the 'burg. One of the highlights of the trip was a visit from my "little" brother, Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Beougher, and his wife, Elma. They relocated from Vandenberg Air Base in California to Andrews over the Christmas holiday, and are living near Mount Vernon south of Alexandria.
They were able to join us after dinner as we socialized for a while in the hotel watering hole. It's always a good way to conclude the day's work with friends in a comfortable setting. There are some who say the real business happens there and not in the boardroom. In any case it's good to learn more about our comrades that cannot be done during the meetings.
I am pleased with my assignments, and really can't discuss as they aren't final until the sitting Board ratifies them in June. We also have a bit more to discuss regarding the standing committee and task team assignments, and have a webinar scheduled for next Monday.
The flight back was on time and uneventful, except for a little jostling during the landing. Temperature was a bit cooler than when I left on Friday, and my sport coat was woefully inadequate. Hit the house by ten, unpacked and in bed on the regular schedule to make my normal 8:30 a.m. senior staff meeting.
I empathize with my fellow Board-elect members who live much farther away and particularly with Sheryl Dodd-Hansen, who told me that she spent most of her flight to California sick in the lavatory. I've been there before and it's not much fun (being sick that is, not California). I hope everyone else arrived home safely and look forward to seeing them again in Indy.
Speaking of which, I hope to see a great turn-out from my Great Lakes Region. This is a fantastic opportunity for those of you who may not have been to a convention before. Indianapolis is a great city with a phenomenal CSI chapter. I know they've spent a great deal of time planning a number of special events for us. See you soon.
They were able to join us after dinner as we socialized for a while in the hotel watering hole. It's always a good way to conclude the day's work with friends in a comfortable setting. There are some who say the real business happens there and not in the boardroom. In any case it's good to learn more about our comrades that cannot be done during the meetings.
I am pleased with my assignments, and really can't discuss as they aren't final until the sitting Board ratifies them in June. We also have a bit more to discuss regarding the standing committee and task team assignments, and have a webinar scheduled for next Monday.
The flight back was on time and uneventful, except for a little jostling during the landing. Temperature was a bit cooler than when I left on Friday, and my sport coat was woefully inadequate. Hit the house by ten, unpacked and in bed on the regular schedule to make my normal 8:30 a.m. senior staff meeting.
I empathize with my fellow Board-elect members who live much farther away and particularly with Sheryl Dodd-Hansen, who told me that she spent most of her flight to California sick in the lavatory. I've been there before and it's not much fun (being sick that is, not California). I hope everyone else arrived home safely and look forward to seeing them again in Indy.
Speaking of which, I hope to see a great turn-out from my Great Lakes Region. This is a fantastic opportunity for those of you who may not have been to a convention before. Indianapolis is a great city with a phenomenal CSI chapter. I know they've spent a great deal of time planning a number of special events for us. See you soon.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
History in the making
As I sit here in a hotel meeting room in Arlington, Virginia with the members of the FY2010 CSI Board, I am excited by the historic nature of this first ever Board-elect meeting. Last year, as in prior years, the Executive Committee performed the tasks we are undertaking. This year, as we move from a 29-member Board to a horizontal 21-member Board without an ExCom, the entire Board will participate in this process. We'll continue reducing our number to 18 in FY2012.
We started right on schedule as promised by President-elect Mike Davis. Mike has a very direct style of leadership and I expect we're going to accomplish great things. Yesterday, we received a very detailed orientation, as well as an update on the Strategic Planning process that will be presented to the members at the convention in Indianapolis.
Today, Walt Marlowe is giving us a presentation on his priorities for programs and projects for the coming year. After that, we'll begin to assemble the standing committees and task teams for the coming year. We'll also try to find a place for all of the members of the Board on the Committees of the Board and as liaisons to the committees and task teams.
This may be one of the more challenging activities of the weekend. Prior to the email that featured Mike Davis as Uncle Sam, there were only 19 members that requested appointment to committees. After the email was distributed, we now have close to 80 applications. Discerning the talents of each of the applicants from a spreadsheet will be a difficult assignment. My hope is that someone on the Board-elect will be able to champion each member and we can assign the most qualified members for each committee.
Well, I need to focus on the tasks at hand and will do my best to represent the interest of all CSI members as I move from an Institute DIrector to Vice President. See you soon.
We started right on schedule as promised by President-elect Mike Davis. Mike has a very direct style of leadership and I expect we're going to accomplish great things. Yesterday, we received a very detailed orientation, as well as an update on the Strategic Planning process that will be presented to the members at the convention in Indianapolis.
Today, Walt Marlowe is giving us a presentation on his priorities for programs and projects for the coming year. After that, we'll begin to assemble the standing committees and task teams for the coming year. We'll also try to find a place for all of the members of the Board on the Committees of the Board and as liaisons to the committees and task teams.
This may be one of the more challenging activities of the weekend. Prior to the email that featured Mike Davis as Uncle Sam, there were only 19 members that requested appointment to committees. After the email was distributed, we now have close to 80 applications. Discerning the talents of each of the applicants from a spreadsheet will be a difficult assignment. My hope is that someone on the Board-elect will be able to champion each member and we can assign the most qualified members for each committee.
Well, I need to focus on the tasks at hand and will do my best to represent the interest of all CSI members as I move from an Institute DIrector to Vice President. See you soon.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
YESSSSS!!!!!!! 2.0
Well, I received my second phone call from John Patrick McCaffrey within the space of a week with great news. He told me I've been elected Vice President - Professional of the Construction Specifications Institute!
I want to congratulate Bob Dye on his excellently run campaign. Bob called me yesterday and offered his best wishes and assistance. We had a good chat and I encouraged him to stay involved and leverage what we've both learned during the election. I also told him his CSI 2.0 label made me wish I'd thought of it. Perhaps we can work that into the branding of CSI in our developing new strategic plan.
Bob's assertive tactics had me hearing footsteps and I wasn't sure if they were in front or behind me, so I just ran as hard as I could. One positive result of the increased campaign activity was that voter turnout increased from less than 20 percent of eligible voters to 24.8 percent. So for me, the big winner is CSI and its members.
I look forward to working with FY2010 President Mike Davis and serving as the first officer of CSI elected from the Columbus Chapter in its 51 year history. As we transition to a smaller board, it is critically important that we change the way we operate as well as our physical size. Since Sheryl and I have been thinking and talking about this for over a year on GRITT, we are well positioned to provide the benefit of our discussions to the new Board.
I've booked my flight to the Board-elect meeting at the end of March and look forward to serving on the first Board without an executive committee. There is much work to do.
I also want to thank everyone who supported my candidacy and those 62 percent of you that gave me your vote. Thank you for all that you do for CSI. See you soon.
I want to congratulate Bob Dye on his excellently run campaign. Bob called me yesterday and offered his best wishes and assistance. We had a good chat and I encouraged him to stay involved and leverage what we've both learned during the election. I also told him his CSI 2.0 label made me wish I'd thought of it. Perhaps we can work that into the branding of CSI in our developing new strategic plan.
Bob's assertive tactics had me hearing footsteps and I wasn't sure if they were in front or behind me, so I just ran as hard as I could. One positive result of the increased campaign activity was that voter turnout increased from less than 20 percent of eligible voters to 24.8 percent. So for me, the big winner is CSI and its members.
I look forward to working with FY2010 President Mike Davis and serving as the first officer of CSI elected from the Columbus Chapter in its 51 year history. As we transition to a smaller board, it is critically important that we change the way we operate as well as our physical size. Since Sheryl and I have been thinking and talking about this for over a year on GRITT, we are well positioned to provide the benefit of our discussions to the new Board.
I've booked my flight to the Board-elect meeting at the end of March and look forward to serving on the first Board without an executive committee. There is much work to do.
I also want to thank everyone who supported my candidacy and those 62 percent of you that gave me your vote. Thank you for all that you do for CSI. See you soon.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
YESSSSS!!!!!!!
Well, it's been nearly 24 hours (have to deduct one for DST) since I received a phone call from Institute Secretary John Patrick McCaffrey at 1:28 p.m., to let me know I'd been elected a Fellow in CSI.
My first call was to my wife within 10 minutes to let her know. I also called Sheryl Dodd-Hansen, my number one cheerleader in this effort. She was at the West Region mid-year meeting with Paulette Salisbury, my official mentor and good friend. I spoke to her after the meeting later that evening. After that, I tried to keep working for a while (in the office on a beautiful Saturday afternoon - what's wrong with me?), but I kept losing my concentration. I have no idea why.
When two hours had passed, I started calling my 15 endorsers and the chapter leaders who had helped me. This is not a one man endeavor, even for an overly independent contrarian like me. I got in touch with most of the folks for whom I had a personal number. I'll try to call the rest on Monday.
But let me just enthusiastically say; "THANKS!!!"
I also talked to my Mom and Dad and let them know the good news. Told them to pack their bags, 'cause they're going to Indianapolis in June. One of the reasons I really wanted to submit this year is that the convention is in my backyard. It's about three hours from Columbus and an hour more from Zanesville, where they live. They're in good health, but Dad will be 71 in June and I'm not sure how many more long trips he's up for.
Saturday night I called Sheryl again to say that I couldn't really remember the call from John. I do remember that my first response was a chuckle, or perhaps a giggle. I'm still tickled by seeing Mike Davis as Uncle Sam...
Anyway, I've been trying to figure out if I could tell anyone, when I noticed Sheryl posted a congratulatory message on my Facebook wall. So much for keeping it a secret - just kidding.
I don't know all the members of the Class of 2009, but I can't wait to see the announcement from CSI. I know of several friends who submitted and I wish them nothing but the best.
I'm still floating a little bit, but am starting to feel it sink in. I'm going to need new business cards in June. I'd better start handing out a few more in the meantime. The waiting reminds me of my brother's plight. He made Chief Master Sergeant last February, but couldn't "sew on" his new stripe until August.
Well, this has been fun, but it's back to reality. My wife's car died on Friday, and I have to go play mechanic. See you soon!
My first call was to my wife within 10 minutes to let her know. I also called Sheryl Dodd-Hansen, my number one cheerleader in this effort. She was at the West Region mid-year meeting with Paulette Salisbury, my official mentor and good friend. I spoke to her after the meeting later that evening. After that, I tried to keep working for a while (in the office on a beautiful Saturday afternoon - what's wrong with me?), but I kept losing my concentration. I have no idea why.
When two hours had passed, I started calling my 15 endorsers and the chapter leaders who had helped me. This is not a one man endeavor, even for an overly independent contrarian like me. I got in touch with most of the folks for whom I had a personal number. I'll try to call the rest on Monday.
But let me just enthusiastically say; "THANKS!!!"
I also talked to my Mom and Dad and let them know the good news. Told them to pack their bags, 'cause they're going to Indianapolis in June. One of the reasons I really wanted to submit this year is that the convention is in my backyard. It's about three hours from Columbus and an hour more from Zanesville, where they live. They're in good health, but Dad will be 71 in June and I'm not sure how many more long trips he's up for.
Saturday night I called Sheryl again to say that I couldn't really remember the call from John. I do remember that my first response was a chuckle, or perhaps a giggle. I'm still tickled by seeing Mike Davis as Uncle Sam...
Anyway, I've been trying to figure out if I could tell anyone, when I noticed Sheryl posted a congratulatory message on my Facebook wall. So much for keeping it a secret - just kidding.
I don't know all the members of the Class of 2009, but I can't wait to see the announcement from CSI. I know of several friends who submitted and I wish them nothing but the best.
I'm still floating a little bit, but am starting to feel it sink in. I'm going to need new business cards in June. I'd better start handing out a few more in the meantime. The waiting reminds me of my brother's plight. He made Chief Master Sergeant last February, but couldn't "sew on" his new stripe until August.
Well, this has been fun, but it's back to reality. My wife's car died on Friday, and I have to go play mechanic. See you soon!
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