News Detail

Chapters!!!

12/1/2003

In preparing this President's Memo-the last one in the first century of the American Concrete Institute-I realized that if we are to look forward to a stronger concrete community, it is essential we focus our attention on the ACI chapters. What are the functions of ACI chapters? What are the chapters' strengths and weaknesses? And what is the chapters' relationship with ACI both domestically and internationally?

Early in my career, as I became more active in ACI, I also became more involved in the ACI Puerto Rico Chapter. I found that these were two very different ACI experiences, yet at the same time there were significant similarities. Looking at ACI in its main context, there are basically two types of members:

• Those who actively participate in the development of our codes and standards through their committee work; and
• Those who maintain ACI membership to support the industry and to receive up-to-date technical information through the ACI Journals, Concrete International magazine, and our documents and other publications.

This oversimplified breakdown of our membership brings to mind the words of William Shakespeare, who once wrote there were two kinds of people in life: actors and spectators. ACI membership seems to fall within that description.

How do ACI chapters fit into the overall scenario? On the surface, this may appear to be a very simple question, but the answer is very complicated. First, let's consider this mission statement: ACI Chapters "...are formed to bring together the various individuals and groups in the local area who are interested in concrete, for the purpose of discussing and disseminating technical and educational information."

Thus, ACI chapters conduct needed programs at the regional level. Many chapters hold educational seminars and short courses, conduct meetings with technical guest speakers, administer certification programs, plan social events (such as golf outings), present awards programs, sponsor student scholarships, publish chapter newsletters and technical publications, host ACI conventions, and offer many other activities.

Great diversity exists within the chapters of ACI. We have chapters that embrace the whole spectrum of alternatives in concrete industry performance, while others work intensively in a few areas.

Some chapters are centers of information and dissemination of concrete knowledge in their area and have year-round programs. They become the powerhouses of the concrete community by supporting education (via the student chapters and scholarship programs), designers (with seminars), and construction (with certification). Annually, the most active chapters earn "Excellent" and "Outstanding" rankings based on a point system, and ACI recognizes that yearlong effort during the Opening Session Awards Program at the spring convention.

Above all, the most important function of an ACI Chapter is as a venue for meeting and networking with others in the local industry and exchanging knowledge.

Over the years, it has been demonstrated that the greatest single strength of an ACI Chapter is its continuity. The most successful have a full or part-time paid staff, consistent programs, and constant communication with their members. Such an effort creates a true concrete community. On the other hand, inconsistency can defeat the chapter concept, resulting in an ineffective organization.

To conclude this last President's Memo of ACI's first century, I call on every ACI member to sponsor your local ACI chapter, participate in its events, help with its seminars and programs, and assist us all in building the concrete community of the next century!

May the spirit and joy of the holiday season fill your hearts!

José M. Izquierdo-Encarnación, President
American Concrete Institute
pepe@porticus-ingenieria.com

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