2021 Directory

9 between the state components and national, allowing for more unified efforts and stronger communications. As an architect and volunteer leader very knowledgeable with the distant and remote nature of many of our western chapters, this change allows for an equal national representation across the broad geography of the AIA. All states now have a more equitable path for representation in national conversations, thereby increasing diversity of leadership and diversity of thought. Our state and local components already exist as powerful hubs of influence and engagement. National can benefit from a more direct connection to that of states/local chapters. State components maintain staff, communicate strongly with members, wield influence on political, licensing, and other practice-related issues, collaborate with local components and sections within their state, promote design through design awards, and maintain active engagement with schools of architecture. Local components are vibrant hubs of member engagement, both in-person and digitally. Most produce hours of continuing education, wield influence in their communities on design, support local initiatives that improve their communities, offer mentoring programs, engage with local civic leaders, and promote design through design awards. Bringing these initiatives closer to National will bond the organization more tightly and provide agility to tackle future challenges. Speaking as a former Director and passionate advocate of the Western Mountain Region, we’re now at the end of 62 years in dedicated service to our members, and 2021 is the last of a truly beautiful era. Wyoming is no exception to the long line of leaders who’ve contributed to the longevity and success of the WMR. For that, thank you to all who have selflessly given countless hours away from practices, families, and loved ones in the constant search for something greater. Those who’ve inspired others to rise in their footsteps; every current and former leader, every local chapter whose combined efforts built the greatness of the WMR. Now though, we’re tasked to seed the soil for what’s next, what’s better, what could be POSSIBLE! Through the MOU process, let’s design new opportunities for flexibility, collaboration, and prosperity, and encourage components to come together based on shared interests, issues, or concerns and not just because of geographic proximity. This can now include any state, any component, for any duration of time. Think of the possibilities! This change could allow us to be our best, to do better than we have in the past. However, achieving this will require a commitment to one another, an active strategy to reach across state lines in recognition that we’re more TOGETHER than we are in separate state-defined silos. Think of the collective leadership energy presented to us in the territory of the former WMR alone: six strategic councilors rather than two, and six representatives each — up from just one — to the National Associates Committee, Young Architects Forum, and Small Firm Exchange. Together this change is propelling 24 new leaders into the national conversation from the current states of the WMR versus its current five; almost 400% greater representation. So, with that, let’s capitalize on this opportunity and see what could manifest from this collective energy; let’s share in these roles and design this together to find the threshold of what could be possible. All while we remind each other that every project we do, every decision and every shift is a platform to make the world a better place.. b As a third generation commercial glazing company we are constantly striving to be the best in our industry. There is no project too big or too small for us to handle. Whether we fabricate the job for you to install or install the material ourselves, we are the premier commercial glaziers that you want on the job. Natrona County High School: Products used Kawneer Architectural Aluminum and Guardian SunGuard Low E glass. Wyoming Medical Center: Products used Kawneer Architectural Aluminum and Guardian SunGuard Low E glass. Roosevelt High School: Products used Manko Architectural Aluminum and Guardian SunGuard Low E glass. 307-266-1440 | INFO@AGCWYO.COM | WWW.AGCWYO.COM