The recent conclusion of IECA’s reunification is a great milestone for our organization. The process was long and rigorous, and I can remember members asking me, “Are we there yet?” We are there, but “there” is not the end point. It is the beginning of a new adventure for all of us.
With reunification, members have personal and professional opportunities to travel internationally and meet with other professionals who share IECA’s vision. There are 12 chapters in IECA, spread across the United States, Canada, South America, and Australasia. Each provides events that address regional concerns and identifies dynamic individuals and organizations in the industry.
Their talent, innovations, and experiences should not be limited to a region, country, or continent. IECA has the ability to give them exposure and opportunities to share their knowledge across the globe. The camaraderie we enjoy in local chapters can be expanded to include new and innovative methods of erosion control and stormwater management used around the world.
IECA’s E-Hub learning center can help address problems by sharing professional papers, presentations, and webinars across the world. These opportunities to share learned experiences can be discussed in our Connect communities to provide insights from those with similar experiences and alternative vantage points. Contractors, educators, inspectors, developers, and vendors who do incredible projects, oversee disaster recovery, and offer direction and procedures can also share their experiences and knowledge.
I challenge each of our members and chapters to be on the lookout for those individuals who demonstrate that innovative spirit. Watch for the mature professionals who work wonders under the radar or the young professionals who jump to the forefront with new ideas and approaches. Let’s make sure these individuals and organizations in our ranks and in our regions get recognized and make their expertise available to all.
Are we there yet? Yes—we have opened the door to the world, and now it is up to us to step through it. n
Jerry B. Sanders, CPESC
President, International Erosion Control Association (IECA)
