President's Message

Members,

Our first board meeting was held November 7th, and we had a productive discussion on numerous topics. One of those topics was the Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan is just that; it is a plan to strategically navigate our society with a well rooted direction. This plan is updated periodically to adjust course as needed. This year I feel it is time to review and re-focus our efforts for the future, and we need your help to do this. We previously published the plan in the October 2024 issue. I encourage you to refer back to it and see what has been submitted and where we can improve. Our next board meeting is scheduled for early February, so any suggestions need to be returned by January 31st.

Our scholarship committee awarded scholarships to five individuals. I would like to congratulate the following students and wish them well in their future endeavors: Wesley Asmus, Joshua Maxwell, Paul Domke, William Fouts, and Brianne McGuire.

The venue for next year’s Conference has been finalized and will be the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry in Aventura. The dates for conference will be from July 29th through August 1st. Room rates (including resort fees ) will be $240 per night.

Renewal notices were sent out this month. Please take the time to send in your renewals. Don’t forget to look at the groups and optional donations opportunities:

• Geospatial Users Group – is an education and outreach group of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society that is dedicated to educating professionals in the Surveying, GIS, Photogrammetric and Mapping professions.

• Young Surveyors Network – is an organization created for Young Surveyors and was developed to build networks and grow relationships for surveyors under the age of 39 or who recently graduated.

• Disaster Relief Fund – is solely funded by member donations and distributed to those in need after a disaster occurs.

• FSMS Scholarship Fund – devotes its resources to assist deserving students needing financial aid to obtain an education in the field of land surveying and other businesses and professions connected therewith.

• FSMSPAC – formed to assist the legislative and political efforts of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society. Without regard to political party affiliation, contributions and support are made to state and local candidates and political parties that share the views of Surveyors and Mappers on issues and initiatives important to the profession.

Thanksgiving is upon us, and as you may know, it is a holiday that invites us to recognize the good things in our lives. With the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, I encourage you, if you are able, to donate to a verified relief organization. Every little bit helps.

As I always close my message, this is your society. Your opinion matters, and I would like to hear from you regarding any comments or suggestions you may have. Please email me at [email protected].

Respectfully submitted,

Robert N. “Bob” Johnson, PSM, CFM

Previous 2025 Messages

January 2025
February 2025
March 2025
April 2025
May 2025
June 2025
July/August 2025
September 2025
October 2025