“Thanks again for all your work helping to get NAWIC on our Community Hotline show last week. Kelly and Aryn were really terrific guests.”
The entire show is also available for viewing on our on-demand, cable-cast site at metroeast.peg.tv. Below is the YouTube link which can be used in emails, e-newsletters and to post on social media sites. https://youtu.be/LwLwqmog6Mk
May 2nd through May 6th is OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down Week to promote fall protection safety. Be sure to take some time to focus on safety at your jobsites, your workplaces and even at home during this week. Make safety a priority!
The PNW Region Forum was held in Tacoma last weekend and I had a great time learning, meeting
NAWIC members throughout the region and spending some time with the 11 other chapter members that were in attendance. There was a lot of great programming provided by the hosting chapter, which will be reported from our four delegates that attended as chapter representatives.
Riki Lovejoy, the current NAWIC National President, was discussing leadership and how a lot of leadership development occurs by happenstance. She said “when you say yes, you learn”. I was reminded that NAWIC is a great platform to develop new skills by stepping out of your comfort zone to try something new. It is also the safest, most encouraging and supportive environment to do so.
Knowing “when you say yes, you learn”, why not run for a chapter office this year? The nominating committee is currently accepting nominations for all board officer and director positions. This is a perfect opportunity to learn new skills and lead our chapter! I know I have learned a lot about our chapter, NAWIC as an organization and myself by serving on the board the last few years.
Or, if you have not had the opportunity to attend a regional or national event, nominate yourself to become a chapter delegate for the Annual Meeting and Conference (AMEC) in San Antonio, Texas this year. The regional and annual events are a great way to learn more about NAWIC and network outside of our chapter.
Even just by saying yes to attend one of our upcoming chapter meetings, you will learn something!
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” John F. Kenned
I heard this quote on the radio the other day and thought it was a great statement about communication:
“I know you think you understand what you thought I said but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”
Communication is probably the most important, but most difficult aspect of effectiveness in both professional and personal relationships. I know I have a really hard time clearly expressing my thoughts and ideas, which is only half of the communication equation. Listening, sometimes even more difficult, is the other half that often skews and contorts the message with prejudice, misunderstanding and emotions. I believe that communication is a skill that needs to be continuously practiced and can always be improved upon. Here is a great tip to remember:
“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.”
I encourage you to focus on your communications skills this month and see what positive effects it will have on your life, as it is the key to personal and professional success.
This month, we are changing our regularly scheduled meeting to a joint meeting with ASPE (American Society of Professional Estimators). This is going to be a really fun and educational mock bid on Tuesday, April 19th, at the University Inn. You will get the opportunity to experience the intensity and excitement that occurs with the estimating team on bid day. Please join us!
Aryn Ferguson – President, Portland Chapter 54
Fortis Construction
March into spring this month and also into Women In Construcon (WIC) week from March 6th through the 12th.
Did you know that women make up just 2.6 percent of all employees in construction jobs? WIC week is designed to increase the visibility of women working in the construcon industry, share our passion and encourage others to join the construction industry and NAWIC.
Here are a couple of ways you can help promote WIC week:
The March meeting on the 17th is an exciting program with two members of CREW (Women in Commercial Real Estate) presenting on Tenant Improvements: Design through Construction. This will be a very informative, educational meeting and one you won’t want to miss.
It’s a leap year, so we all get an extra day this February to get caught up and work toward those goals we set at the beginning of the year! February is also host to the loved by some and hated by others holiday: Valentine’s Day. The origin of this day is said to be the day that the ancient Roman Empire honored Juno, the Queen of Roman Gods and Goddesses and the protector of Women. Be sure to celebrate your inner Juno, your female spirit, on the 14th.
Our chapter meeting* on February 18th, will feature presenters from Dress for Success Oregon. The WIC week committee will be collecting clothing donations at this meeting and the March meeting to donate to this great organization that works to empower women. See flyer in the newsletter for more information on accepted donations.
Also during the February meeting, we will be voting for (4) paid delegates to attend the Pacific NW Region Forum being held on April 22nd-24th in Tacoma, WA. Forum is an annual regional event that provides professional education and networking opportunities. If you haven’t yet attended a regional or national event, you won’t be disappointed with the programming and the time spent with other WIC’s. This is a great opportunity to learn more about NAWIC, so please contact me if you would like to be considered for one of the Forum delegate positions.
The Oregon coast retreat, hosted by the Eugene chapter in Yachats, Oregon will be the last weekend of the month: February 26th-28th. This is a fun filled and educational weekend with plenty of time to relax and socialize with fellow NAWIC members from all Oregon chapters.
Last month, I had solicited feedback from members in order to ensure our chapter is providing its members with what they really want. To make it easier to provide feedback, there is a 5 question survey included in this newsletter.
I will work with the board to incorporate feedback provided into our operations. Your opinion really matters, so please fill it out and send it back to me.