May 2020

First, an unfortunate but probably unsurprising announcement:

FSMS has been closely monitoring the Covid-19 virus and its impact on social gatherings and business operations.  Based on the information available at this time, FSMS believes that in the best interest of our members, the only option is to terminate the contract for the conference scheduled for July 23rd to 25th, 2020, at the PGA National Resort.  As you are aware, the purpose of this annual conference is for our members to share industry knowledge, discuss FSMS and industry business, promote our mission, gather information on new technologies and equipment and to mingle, network and learn from each other and from our Sponsors and Exhibitors. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 virus has negated and frustrated the very purpose of that conference.

We hope to reschedule at this property for the 2022 conference, as we have already booked the 2021 conference at the Sawgrass Marriott in Ponte Vedra. 

So that’s the bad news, but I have positive things to report too:

A few weeks ago, the FSMS Board of Directors successfully held our quarterly Board and Committee meetings remotely, continuing the business of advocating for our members and the profession. Within a month or two, we expect to have a variety of new and revised continuing education courses available to help you meet the biennial renewal requirements for the current cycle. 

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Broward Chapter meeting without having to take a flight or make the long drive south from Pensacola. While I would have preferred to physically be in the same room with my friends and colleagues, remote meetings are something we can do safely right now.

For Chapters who need videoconferencing support to be able to hold their next meeting as scheduled, the FSMS administrative office can assist with hosting and facilitating meetings. If your chapter would like to have a virtual meeting this month, please contact the office in Tallahassee and we’ll get you set up. If you do hold a virtual meeting this month, let me know when it is and I’ll make every effort to attend and field your questions.

I’d also like to express my appreciation for the efforts of our friends at the Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers to keep the profession growing. Last week, BPSM held a telephonic conference where the applications of prospective Florida surveyors were reviewed and advanced accordingly. Unlike some government services which have been incapacitated by the challenges of pandemic, BPSM continues to work hard and work well on our behalf.  

Our current circumstances aren’t ideal. However, making the best of evolving conditions is what we all do every day as geospatial professionals, and together we will prevail as people and as a profession.

I hope to see many of you this month at virtual chapter meetings, and until next month, stay safe out there!