June 2012
Message from President Chris Evers:

Were you in Tampa for the Florida Chapter Annual Meeting and Trade Show? If so, thank you for making it a fantastic event. Special thanks goes out to all the people who made it great; the Steering Committee, the Volunteers, Exhibitors, Sponsors, our Meeting Planners, the Executive Committee, APWA National President Diane Linderman, P.E., Keynote Speaker Ian Hill and of course Johnny Depp! It was certainly a memorable week for me and I am proud to represent such a wonderful group of Public Works Professionals.

We asked some tough questions of ourselves that week in April. What lessons did we take back with us as we returned to the vital roles we play in this society? Have we been following up on the promises we made to ourselves? Are we implementing what we learned in Tampa to marshal human capital in our pursuit of a better Florida?

The lessons we learned in Tampa had less to do about Buoyant Flow Control Devices or Pavement Preservation and more to do about leadership, perseverance, service and love. The organization that we’re all a part of is greater than the sum of the individuals, agencies and companies it is composed of. This experience we call the APWA Florida Chapter Annual Meeting and Trade Show is extraordinary not because of the Golf Tournament or the Exhibit Hall or the Special Event night. The experience is extraordinary because of YOU. Everyone who joined us played their part in the magic we created and can look back with pride on Tampa 2012. If you missed it, there is always next year in Jacksonville!

I’ve been inspired by the impact the few and the one can have on the many. As we recognize excellence in engineering, construction and maintenance on the engine of our economy, the circulatory system of our society, let us not forget the contributions we’ve made and the lives we’ve touched. The people in the Florida Chapter are recognized as leaders of their profession and of this organization. Celebrate it!

Many thanks go out to the folks who’ve made it possible for me to represent you as President of the greatest Chapter in the Country. I’ve been lucky enough to have some fantastic APWA mentors and many of them remain active. To those leaders who’ve come before and to those who will come after, I thank you. I am truly honored to serve this Group!

You might have expected me to talk about my goals and vision for this next year serving as your President. But we’ll have plenty of time for that. All that I ask is that you each consider how best you can serve and contribute to our Profession and our Organization. What talents can you bring to the table that will move Florida forward? What will be your APWA legacy? If you are interested in serving at the Chapter or District level, seek out one of the many Chapter Leaders that grace the pages of this newsletter. We are looking for capable and passionate individuals to serve on the many committees and sub-committees you see listed.

Today we begin the task of taking the next step. All of the work we’ve done up till now has only gotten us to here. What will carry us forward? The inspiration you draw from and the attitude you adopt, will determine our course.

We will reach our full potential as Public Works Professionals; we will reach new heights as the Florida Chapter. We will enjoy each others company as Family! With passion for APWA and the talents God has given us, we are the force multipliers. We are Public Works!