Like most things in life, what you get out of your IRWA membership depends on what each of us puts into it. As so many of our activities are virtual, let’s take the opportunity to focus this month on our social media and Website.

I would like to spotlight our Chapter 74 Communication Web and Social media administrator, Ray Rials.

First, congratulations to Ray for becoming a certified General Appraiser! A lot of time and hard work went into his new designation, and it is well deserved. Ray also puts in a lot of personal time on behalf of our Chapter website, the Region website, and our social media posts. His duties include coordinating with IRWA Headquarters, keeping up our posts, assisting in website maintenance and updates, to list just a few. Please remember to follow us on LinkedIn, submit news and coordinate with Ray. Your support is the cornerstone of our success.

Next, I would like to ask each of you to take the Education Committee Survey Monkey Education Committee Survey that is posted on the website. The survey helps our Education Chair, Alexa Vanzura, the education committee, and the course coordinators create course offerings, which are relevant, and meet member needs.

The course offerings directly impact our ability to help our members achieve their credentialing. Chapter 74 members have a tremendous opportunity to enhance their careers in right-of-way by obtaining an IRWA designation. There are several ways in which the Chapter helps individuals achieve this milestone:
• By assisting the membership with counseling and guidance through the Professional Development Committee Chair, John Campbell, PE, to chart their own path toward an IRWA designation.
• By encouraging government agencies and right-of-way firms to promote the designation to their employees or agents.
• This month, the board leadership is pursuing ways in which we can give more assistance to our membership. There may be offerings to assist financially with courses, in the future. For years, we have seen other chapters offer course discounts, for their members, and this year, we may be able to do so. Submit your ideas to help your Board be mindful on how we can improve and grow our organization.

Members of the Buckeye Chapter will be giving us an update on how they plan to Rock the IRWA International Conference, next June, at one of our upcoming Board meetings. Spend your lunch hour with us for more information!

In response to the issues in our area, The Eminent Domain Seminar went Virtual. The date was September 10, 2021. We want to thank Randy Williams, Elizabeth Norris, and all the volunteers and speakers who once again created an unforgettable event!
Speaking of events, our Programs Co-Chairs, Kimberly Pulvar, Brittany Snellgrove, and committee members, Lisa Rials and Lauren Woodward Stanley, are planning to bring the cool weather in with a celebration! They are cooking up a delicious menu and a cool evening outdoors, set with strings of lights, near the Brushy Creek and the famous Chisholm Trail Cattle Trail, in the background. It is still in the works, stay tuned for the announcement on our webpage and email blasts. November may bring a rooftop celebration, with social distancing and Covid safety measures.

For our October 12th virtual luncheon, the Programs Committee worked hard to put together a great program:
“IRWA Chapter 74 October Luncheon: Williamson County Projects Update with Bob Daigh, Sr. Director of Infrastructure for Williamson County.” Be on the lookout for a TEAMS invite for October 12th, 2021, at noon.

When you need assistance with a project, go to our Chapter website and check out the great companies that are advertising and supporting Chapter 74. The Chapter would like to thank our sponsors for their support. Remember to look to these advertisers for professional assistance with your projects!

We know many people are seeking employment so remember to submit your job openings for posting on the website.

Take care, Barbara Price Chapter 74 President 2021/2022

Barbara Price
2021-2022 Chapter 74 President