\u201cIt would be great to have more contractors involved with CSI. The CDT certification can be a great introduction to CSI (although you don\u2019t need to be a member to earn the certification). As well, educational programs and networking opportunities with other members of the design and construction team, including the product reps, is valuable. Perhaps if each one of us were to reach out to a contractor (general contractor or subcontractor) and personally invite them to a meeting (even as our guest), it would be a good start.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lee Ann Slattery FCSI, CDT, CCPR, LEED AP<\/em><\/p>\n 2. Engage Contractors at the Chapter Level and Partner with Industry Groups<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cCSI needs more contractor involvement and membership. In our Detroit Chapter, we\u2019ve reached out and engaged contractors in chapter meetings based on owner, architect, contractor forums, and these have gone over well. Although, I have to say, I don\u2019t think we have membership on the contractor side yet, or it is minimal. I think a drive should start with the large professional organizations like MIM, ACI, and AISC, and getting some of those organization members joining CSI.\u201d<\/p>\n William Jensen BA, CSI, CDT, CCCA, USGBC<\/em><\/p>\n 3. Make One-on-One Connections<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe number one-way CSI has always gained new members is through members inviting and encouraging their colleagues, friends, and project partners to join. As with any type of member you would like to add, think of the contractors you know. Think about the local construction firms. Look at their websites and personnel and pick some you think would be interested in CSI. Invite them to meetings. Be sure to welcome and introduce them to others. Contractors are a natural fit in CSI. They bring a lot of experience and knowledge to the mix.<\/p>\n Bryan Varner FCSI, CDT, CCCA, LEED AP<\/em><\/p>\n 4. Reach Out to Women in Construction<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m surprised no one has mentioned PWC (Professional Women in Construction) and NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction). These organizations are worthy candidates for growing our membership. All the women to whom I\u2019ve spoken have expressed interest in collaborating in this endeavor, and they have chapters across the country. This coming October, there\u2019ll be a national conference for women in construction that our leadership might benefit from attending.\u201d<\/p>\n Clifford Marvin, Professional Content Designer<\/em><\/p>\n Author\u2019s note: Replies were edited for length. You can join this conversation\u2014and other real-time conversations with AECO industry professionals, on the CSI Connect Community page at CSIResources.org.<\/em><\/p>\n There is a longstanding and difficult question at most CSI regional and chapter meetings, which was mirrored at the national conference<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27272,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,23,5677],"tags":[122,6500],"class_list":["post-145405","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-columns","category-inside-csi","category-to-be-specific","tag-csi","tag-to-be-specific","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2145-300x225.jpg\")
Peter Kray is a content strategist with CSI. He can be reached at pkray@csinet.org.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"