President’s Report

To:                   ASLA Florida Members

From:              Kevin White, President

Date:               September 30, 2019

I hope everyone had a great PARK(ing) Day 2019!  I want to send a special “thank you” to all of our hard working Section Chairs and volunteers that were a part of their local events.  This is just one of many ways that we can all help to achieve one of our key objectives in educating the public about our industry and the tremendous value we provide to our communities.

Additionally, our Section Chairs are busily arranging events throughout the state in your local areas to facilitate learning, networking, and social opportunities for you to engage your association.  These events are your opportunity to benefit from your membership dollars and, thanks to all of our great sponsors, are often available to you for little or no additional cost.  They are also a chance to get an update on our advocacy, education, and stewardship efforts on your behalf, as well as an occasion for you to provide valuable feedback on our efforts.  The month of August is a prime example of the efforts our Chapter has extended to hosting U.S. and Florida legislators during ASLA’s Site Tour month. These relationships have flourished from our representation in Washington DC during the spring ASLA Advocacy Day.

Your ExCom will be meeting next month in Miami, as part of our annual meetings with our state university programs.  In addition to the general business and preparation for the upcoming leadership transition, we will have the opportunity to network with the outstanding students of the FIU Landscape Architecture program.  Our Past President Deena Bell Llewellyn, has been diligently working on the arrangements for us to gather and socialize with our students at the Coral Gables Museum, sponsored by our friends at Berliner and Landscape Forms.

Speaking of students, I also wanted to confirm the rumors that thanks to the ongoing support of the Chapter, we will be offering our very first scholarships for Florida landscape architecture students through the Landscape Architecture Foundation in 2020!  This would not be possible without the tireless efforts and advocacy of Jonathan Haigh and Dave Flanagan, as well as all of you who have contributed directly, through your dues, or through participation in our Golf Tournament or other fundraising efforts.  Together, we will ensure that our industry continues to grow and flourish with new talent.