President's Message

April 2018

     To everyone that has taken the time over the last few months to renew their membership, and thus their commitment and investment in FSMS and the surveying and mapping profession, give yourself a pat on the back!  It seems that a lot of us can get wrapped up in other things this time of year with so much going on, including the March Madness basketball frenzy.

     FSMS was very active championing society-building events around the state in February and March. The enthusiasm, excitement and participation of our chapters and members during National Surveyors Week was very encouraging. It was great to see so many local proclamations signed and to attend several tri-chapter meetings, and, overall, to see the surveying profession be proudly recognized throughout the state and country. 

     At the end of February, a few of us had the opportunity to attend the NSPS spring meeting and Western Regional Survey Conference in Las Vegas. FSMS and the State of Florida were well represented by myself, Tom Steckler (our Executive Director), Ronnie Figueroa (NSPS state director), and Chris Wild (FSMS Young Surveyors Network chair).

     The UF Geomatics Senior Class had its annual field trip to Tallahassee, which was attended by 20 students and chaperoned by the esteemed Jack Breed. We had the opportunity to enjoy lunch with the students at our administrative office. We had an informal, yet informative, discussion of the future of our profession and our Society as it relates to the students as they approach graduation and prepare to join our ranks.'

     National Surveyors Week and Florida Surveyors Week is always something we should look forward to in March. It falls in the third week of March every year, and it is a great opportunity for surveyors to be acknowledged and recognized for the work we do and the contributions we make to our communities and the building of our country. Even President Trump took a minute to write a letter of recognition for National Surveyors Week this year.  Like him or not, that does say something about the meaningful profession we embrace and the contributions we make to our society.

     National Surveyors Week Proclamations were publicly signed throughout the state, beginning with Commissioner Putnam, Governor Scott and the Florida Cabinet on the state level, and County and City Councils and Commissions on the local level. Thanks again to all the members and chapters who took the time out of your busy work schedules to formally receive this recognition.

     Tri-chapter meetings were held this month in Lake City, Port Charlotte, Davie and Lakeland, and all of them were exceptionally well attended. Hundreds of us joined together for invaluable fellowship, conversation and social time. Additional thanks to the chapters and members who hosted picnics and provided school programs and community outreach during this month of recognition.

     Finally, the annual Strategic Planning Meeting, led by President-Elect Dianne Collins, was held in Lady Lake at the end of the month. This was also very well attended, and it was a productive session generated by a wealth of wisdom, knowledge and ideas - all brought to the table in order to better the Society and our profession as we move forward along with the growing changes in the Geospatial industry.

“Blessed are those who have not seen, yet still believe” – John 20:29.  

Happy Easter to All!

Bob Strayer, Jr.