The Power of Networking

Like many CSI members, I talk about the organization with anyone who will listen. A number of these conversations have been with government officials. A few years ago, I successfully lobbied the State Architect’s Office to adopt MasterFormat 2004. I also worked with the executive director of the Ohio Architects Board to include the Construction Specifications Institute among the organizations approved to accredit continuing education programs. The following is from a CSI press release dated October 10, 2008.

“The Ohio State Architects Board now recognizes the Construction Specifications Institute's (CSI) Construction Education Network (CEN) as an approved entity for construction professionals pursuing continuing education credits. CSI CEN is a network of registered education providers offering programs to professionals in construction-related industries. It is the only continuing education program that connects the entire built community – from architects, engineers and contractors to manufacturers, facility managers and developers. No other program is as comprehensive in its scope."

The executive director of the Board was also the executive director of the Columbus Chapter of AIA for six years prior to taking her current position. During that time CSI Columbus and AIA Columbus worked very well together and we developed a very good working relationship. Since I was on both boards, I served in a quasi-liaison role between the two organizations. We held joint events and even shared mailing lists. In February 2005, CSI Columbus sponsored AIA Columbus’ newsletter in the Daily Reporter, a daily business newspaper, and I wrote four sponsorship articles to highlight current topics of interest about CSI.

I had just been elected to the executive committee, when she announced she was leaving. Before the Board adopted rules to implement legislation mandating continuing education for architects in late 2005, she called me to discuss the issue. When CSI developed and released the CEN program, the rule was in place to provide instantaneous recognition.

The value of forming relationships like this is a priceless commodity. You never know what can happen if you connect with the right person. See you soon.