November 2013

President's Message

Dear Chapter Members,

Thankfully, it seems as if the brief government shutdown last month has not had a large effect on our profession. It looks as though firms are beginning to hire. There are several openings listed currently on the ASLA website, with many here in Florida.

Last week I was able to travel to Miami to present the chapter’s legislative awards to Sen. Miguel Dias de la Portilla, and his aid, Pat Gosney. It was a pleasure to meet him and be able to present two beautiful photographs by a Gainesville area photographer. The awards were very well received and I know we have a friend in the Senate that we can call on.

Following our very successful conference in July, we embarked on finding a new executive director. I am happy to welcome Corey Mathews and his team to FL|ASLA. In just a few short days Corey has already jumped in and is getting familiar with our operations. I have full confidence that he will meet any challenge we throw at him, and look forward to the future working with his team.

As this will be my final message to you as President, I would like to say thank you to my fellow leaders and to the members. It has been a humbling experience and an honor to serve this year. We have come a long way in the 13 months since I took the reins.

I am confident that membership in ASL A is on the rebound, and we have great things on the horizon. I will be traveling to the national meeting next week in Boston to represent the chapter on the Chapter President’s Council, along with our Incoming president Jeff Brophy and our incoming president-elect David Ferris. We will have several additional Florida Chapter members representing us in different capacities. If you are planning to head to Boston, I hope to see you there!

Have a great Thanksgiving and thank you again for allowing me to serve as President this year!

Michael Miller, PLA, ASLA
2013 FL|ASLA Chapter President
FL|ASLA Conference 2014 at the Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo – July 24-26
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