CSI Denver Chapter Blog Answers the Question, “Why CSI?”
CSI Denver Chapter President Mike Young, CSI, CDT, posted the following Presidents message on the chapter’s blog.
Why join, why renew my membership, why participate in the Denver Chapter, CSI? The answers are as diverse as the membership of CSI. Personally, I believe the answer is the diversity of the membership of CSI. Unlike other design, manufacturing, and construction industry organizations, CSI is not made up of a majority of architects (AIA), engineers (NSPE, ASCE), estimators (ASPE), general contractors (AGC, ABC), hardware manufactures (DHI), coating manufactures (SSPC), etc. etc. etc. While all of these organizations play an important role in strengthening and improving their respective industry niche, they do so by focusing on a specific sector of the construction industry. As a result of this focused approach, members of these organizations tend to be competitors of each other. CSI is different.
CSI’s strength and value lies in its ability to organize all of the diverse elements of the construction industry into an integrated organization focused on improving the industry as a whole. A good set of construction documents pulls together and clearly communicates every element of construction in a clear, concise and organized package for the sole purpose of creating a functional facility that meets the long term needs of its owner. Similarly, CSI pulls together and encourages communication between planners, design and engineering professionals, materials experts and product representatives, construction professionals, and other industry professionals for the purpose of forming a functional organization that, I believe, is needed to meet the long term needs of the construction industry. As a member, you have unbiased access to all of these resources and are a resource to others as well.
So why did I join CSI? Back in 1992, just as today, CSI provided a respected and economical education opportunity. Studying for and receiving my CDT and CCCA credentials not only reinforced the relevance of the education I received at CSU (Colorado State University), it provided me with an industry recognized credential from a respected organization. By simply placing CDT after my name, I am able to communicate to my industry peers that I have an understanding of the various components of construction documents.
Why renew my membership? Resources! CSI is packed with resources. The advantages I receive by being part of the CSI network are immeasurable. If I have a question regarding fire penetrations, assemblies, glazing, masonry, paint, specifications… I know who to ask for an unbiased answer. I need a solution to a problem; I have a list of people I trust to pull ideas from. I want to know what’s happening in the industry as a whole or specific to my concentration, I know who to have a conversation with. Simply put, the most valuable resource the Denver Chapter, CSI, offers it its membership directory.
Why participate? CSI is synergy. While I do enjoy the benefits received from all of the various resources CSI offers, there is no greater sense of satisfaction than knowing that you are an active part of something bigger. One major draw of this industry is the sense of satisfaction you feel when you know you were an active contributor in getting a facility built. Knowing that if you didn’t do your part in the construction, something would be missing and the end result just wouldn’t be the same. This applies to CSI also, from the Chapter level through the Regional level to the Institute level. I can honestly state that until I began actively participating in CSI, I had no idea what I was missing. You are part of a great organization.
Let me close with this challenge – If you’re a newer member (5 years or under) or if you’re thinking about becoming a member, take a moment to talk to one of our many long-time members (10 plus years). Ask them, “Why CSI”?
If we haven’t seen you in a while, come to a Chapter meeting. Say hi to your fellow members. Re-connect. As a Chapter and an organization, we’re more effective with you than without you.
Finally, if you are an active member, tell others why. Spread the message of CSI.
Alan Minker recently closed out an email by stating “In your travels, please remember to promote the benefits of a membership in the Phoenix Chapter CSI”. I feel this article strongly promotes the benefits of CSI membership.
I’m sure if you sell a product or service to a customer, you have heard the term “Elevator Speech” in the last few years. As defined in Terri Sjodin’s book “Small Message, Big Impact”, “Elevator Speech is a brief presentation that introduces a product, service, philosophy, or an idea. The name suggests the notion that the message should be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride, up to three minutes. Its general purpose is to intrigue and inspire a listener to want to hear more of the presenter’s complete proposition in the near future.” Mike’s article could easily become the backbone of your own “Elevator Speech” by adding your own experiences with CSI.
Let’s all of us create our own “Elevator Speech” and promote the benefits of CSI to those in the construction industry that might not know until we inform them! Increased membership will then follow.