CSI Member Referral Program:
Spread the wealth and invite more people to enjoy the benefits of being a CSI member! Between July 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010, CSI members who refer new members will be entered in a sweepstakes drawing. The prize is a one-year, CSI national membership -- a $240 value, and membership in your home chapter! Make sure the members you recruit put your member number in the appropriate space when completing CSI’s online or paper application forms! For each new member you recruit, you’ll get one sweepstakes entry. The more you bring in, the more chances to win! Download the CSI Membership Enrollment Form (PDF)

Greetings, CSI members!

I don't know about you, but I am glad to see 2009 come to an end. I have been involved in the construction industry since 1969, and 2009 had the most damaging impact to our industry that I can remember. The company I work for had projects cancelled and was fortunate to end the year with only a 50% reduction in our volume of work from previous years.

I discuss this only to lead into my topic for this communication: CSI Membership. Why join CSI or continue membership in CSI? We talk about "the benefits of CSI membership," but what are they? Is it really worth the cost and time commitment to be a member of CSI? In the current economic situation, would I do better to invest my time and dollars in something else? My membership is up for renewal, and these questions have been on my mind for several days. I will renew my membership, but I am sure other CSI members and prospective members are asking these questions. I will try to provide some simple answers.

• Why join CSI or continue membership in CSI? My simple answer: How can you afford not to join CSI? Membership in CSI is not expensive. I have been a member of CSI since 1993. Until renewal in 2006, my membership was paid by my company. I left my position as a partner in a general contracting firm and took off several months to catch my breath. When it was time to renew my membership, I did not need to think twice. I believe I receive true value in my CSI membership. The networking opportunities are endless, if you make the effort. The letters "CSI" on my business card has opened many doors that might not have opened without having those initials.
  
  Yesterday, I received a cold call from a product representative. No phone call, no advance notice. Just happened to be in town and thought he would stop by my office to check on bid opportunities. My schedule was pretty hectic. However, when I looked at the business card handed me, I saw "CSI" following the representative's name. This is the only reason I got up from my desk and had a 20-minute meeting with this representative. If there had been no "CSI," there would not have been a meeting.

• What are the benefits of CSI membership? Where do I start? Networking opportunities as I previously mentioned, certification programs, education programs, involvement in creating methods of handling or distributing building information... I leave it to each of you to make your own decision on this question, as we could have many different answers.


• Is it really worth the cost and time commitment to be a member of CSI? CSI membership is an investment. And like any other investment, if you fail to continue to make the investment, you will find the dividend shrinks. Compared to other organizations, I feel the cost of CSI membership is economical. But more than dollars, consider investing your time in CSI. I truly believe that an investment of my time in CSI has enabled me to grow professionally at a quicker pace. In some cases, I have been able to receive instant credibility from architects because of my involvement with CSI.

We continually discuss the "grass-root members" of CSI. Folks, we are the grass roots of CSI; each and every one of us, with all our imperfections. It's the person down the hall, in the next cubicle or across the country. We are not just specifiers; we are designers, contractors and subcontractors, building owners, product representatives, and others involved in one of the greatest professions. In short, we are the construction industry!

As you read this email, please give serious thought to your membership status in CSI. If you are not willing to grow in your chosen profession and don't want to give your time, then by all means find something else where you can commit your time and resources. However, if you are willing to grow and make a commitment, CSI has a place for you at the table. Get involved! I look forward to working with you as we work to improve our industry.

Sincerely,

Michael M. Davis, FCSI, CDT
CSI National President

P.S. In an effort to improve communication, I plan to send a monthly email communication on various topics to you. Your feedback will help me provide the information you need to expand the benefits of CSI membership.

Construction Specifications Institute
110 South Union Street, Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22314

Phone: 1-800-689-2900
Fax: 703-236-4600
Email: csi@csinet.org