IRWA_Logo_800 Copy of IRWA73-3

2011/2012 Presidential Address

Dear Fellow Right of Way Professionals,

Welcome to a brand new year of learning, growing, and networking within Southeastern Arizona’s right of way community! This year, as in years past, Chapter 73’s Board is committed to providing you with relevant educational experiences and quality networking opportunities. We are also eager to guide you along your path to obtaining your SR/WA designation or other specialist certification.

Chapter 73, with 60 members, is a relatively small Chapter of the International Right of Way Association, but it contains a well-balanced mix of all of the right of way disciplines – government agencies, utilities, land acquisition specialists, appraisers, environmental consultants, attorneys, surveyors, and engineers. While the majority of our members live and work in Tucson, we also have members in Marana, Vail, St. David, Benson, Willcox, Bisbee, Phoenix, New Mexico, and even Washington state! Our members have many levels of experience, from those just getting started in the field to retirees who’ve seen it all.

Given such a diverse group, it’s easy to understand how every member brings a unique perspective and adds a specific element of expertise to our organization. Each one has different needs, and each one gains something different from his or her participation. What can you contribute this year? You can share your knowledge or a “lesson learned” at a meeting or in the newsletter. Or fill a Chair position - our Asset Management, Environment, Surveying & Engineering, Transportation, and Valuation positions are all open right now. What are your needs? Call me, or email and let me know. What can you gain from your involvement with our association? There’s only one way to find out! Get involved…and if you haven’t joined our association yet, I personally invite you to do so today!

To join the IRWA and Chapter 73, follow this link:

http://www.irwaonline.org/EWEB/upload/forms/Application_US_2011.pdf

You are also invited to attend our next event - a Networking Mixer at the Turquoise Hills Country Club, Benson, Arizona on Wednesday, July 27th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Bring a friend, spouse, or co-worker and join us for complimentary appetizers, music, and fun. Check out the complete schedule of our breakfast meetings, course offerings, and events via the links on our home page.

Finally, we’ve been invited to assist the Coronado National Memorial Park staff with their post-fire restoration effort on the Monument near Hereford (south of Sierra Vista) on Saturday, August 20^th. They need volunteers to help plant 1,000 agaves upon the fire-devastated areas of the park. The agaves will provide food for bats and help absorb storm water runoff. To register as a volunteer, please call the Coronado National Memorial visitor center at 520-366-5515, Extension 0.

Thank you for supporting the right of way industry and Chapter 73.

Kelley Hall

Kelley Hall, SR/WA

Chapter 73 President

Kelley.Hall@elpaso.com

(520) 663-4223

IRWA Saguaro Chapter 73 Home Page