I am excited and honored to be named the ASCE AZ Section President this year. Thank you to Ted Smithwick for his service last year as the Section President in addition to his many previous years on the Section and YMF Boards. He has inspired many, including myself, to get more involved and make their ASCE membership even more meaningful.

I was reminded at our Region 8 Assembly and Arizona Section Conference, the relationships you make in ASCE can truly last a lifetime. I now can look back over the last 12 years as a professional, as well as my time in the U of A Student Section, and am amazed by all the people I’ve met and still continue to reconnect with through my participation in ASCE.

One of my favorite things is the diversity of our members. I love hearing everyone’s unique story of their career path and how all our disciplines interact with each other. We have the opportunity to learn outside of our personal expertise and comfort zone just by talking to each other.

With that said, I encourage everyone to make sure to renew your membership and ensure your relationships continue to grow. Right now, there are several added *cash* bonuses to renewing your membership.

• Renew now, to will avoid the holiday rush when life is extra hectic, and have one less thing to think about.

• Renew now and you could win a $1,000 Amazon.com gift cardfor early renewal. Remaining drawing deadlines are November 12 and December 13. Renew today!

• If you are a member, you can get an added bonus by referring members by visiting our Member Get a MemberYou can receive a $50 Amazon.com Gift Card for each newly joining professional member you refer. At the end of the year, the member with the most successful referrals will get a $500 Amazon.com Gift Card.

Finally, Region 8 announced a Membership Drive Contest. The largest increase by percentage of dues-paying members will receive additional funding to support member activities, scholarships or other member benefits. Section winners will be awarded $1000 . One will be selected for large sections (like us) and one for small sections.

Get online and renew now! Also, please spread the word and encourage your friends, coworkers and young engineers to check out our YMF meetings, Branch Luncheons and all upcoming ASCE activities. Most companies will sponsor you to be a member of 1 organization, let’s make it ASCE!

If you have any suggestions on how we can better serve you, please feel free to contact me: connollybreanna@stanleygroup.com