PLSO Oregon Surveyor Vol. 40 No. 6

Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon | www.plso.org 7 From the PLSO Office How can we get younger people interested in becoming involved in the profession and if so, our association? P LSO has had quite an active few months leading up to the 2018 PLSO Conference. The State Board of Directors, various Committees and Task Forces have been doing a good job in looking “Beyond the Horizon” for the future of our association and pro- fessional community. What do I mean by that? We are working hard at seeing farther than our possi- ble limit of sight—going beyond what we hope to foresee—regarding our profession. How can we increase our workforce in the future? What technol- ogies should we be incorporating into our Conference seminars? How can we get younger people interested in becom- ing involved in the profession and if so, our association? In short, probably not any questions we haven’t been asking for a long time. However, this time we are asking with purpose. When the Conference Committee be- gan thinking about the theme for the 2018 PLSO Conference, they were large- ly thinking of educational programming, but to me I think there is no better way to kick off the 2018 year than thinking “Beyond the Horizon." It’s been a topic at a few conference lunch discussions, and I’m happy to plan for what is passed it. Our Rebranding Task Force hasmet with our marketing partner, Pivot Group, a couple of times, focusing on our iden- tity and newmarketing look. All current members, lapsed members in the past five-years and members of the Oregon Young Surveyors Network were asked to fill out a survey that will assist Pivot and PLSO in creating something that truly represents our professional community. The survey results will also give me, the Rebranding Task Force, and the State Board insight into how to represent you all best. Thank you to those that took the time to respond. Your feedback is invaluable to completing the project. I’m looking forward to the results! Our 2018 Conference Committee has been hard at work creating quality PDH’s, balancing classic topics that are al- ways well attended with those that are addressing new technology. We will be welcoming national speakers Kris Kline and Gary Kent, as well as many local experts on topics such as case studies, navigability, legal descriptions, water rights, and instrument care. Gary Johnston, thePLSOEducation&Outreach Auction Chair is also collecting quality si- lent and live auction items/experiences for Scholarships and Outreach Activities. If you have not donated something to the Auction, please consider donating a high-end bottle of wine, a weekend at your vacation home, or, if you’re feeling particularly generous, a hot air balloon ride through the Willamette Valley. It’s all for a good cause—supporting the future of our professional community. Please be sure to visit www.plso.org/ 2018Conference for more information about attending. Dave Williams has been an incredible State Board Chair over the past twelve months. He began his year with the Annual Meeting, talking about the im- portance of increasing our professional footprint and wanting to have fun with leading PLSO. He has faced legislative controversies, judiciary issues, rebrand- ing debates, andmore. As he gets ready to hand over the gavel to current State Chair-Elect Pat Gaylord, I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated learning from and working with him. PLSO is in good hands with Pat, who not only knows PLSO’s history, but can keep the ship pointed at the horizon. He’s some- one that always has PLSO’s best interest at heart. PLSO couldn’t ask for better qualities in its State Chair. The Annual Membership Meeting will be held at the PLSO Conference during lunch on January 18 at 11:30 am. We will have a couple points on the agen- da for open discussion. We hope to see you there, working with us, towards the future—looking “Beyond the Horizon.” As of writing this column thank you to the following companies for supporting the 2018 PLSO Conference: Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc. CMT Surveying & Consulting David Evans & Associates Otak, Inc. Emerio Design Westlake Consulting Compass Land Surveyors The Crew Ferguson Land Surveying KPFF