REMINDER: 2015 PLSO AWARDS

January will be here before we know it, and we will be reuniting with our colleagues and friends at the Annual Conference in Salem and enjoying all the programs at the event. It is time to think about nominations for the Awards Banquet.

Surveyor of the Year (SOY) and Life Member are the only awards subject to the bylaws, so let’s start there. The SOY nomination process is covered in Article 15 (1) of the bylaws:

• Nominations need to be presented to the Board at the meeting prior to the annual meeting. That meeting is to be announced, but will take place in October.
• Nominations must be written, endorsed by five PLSO members in good standing and they must contain a bio, resume, photo and reason(s) for the nomination.
• Minimum requirements for SOY:
• • Corporate member of PLSO for five or more years.
  • Demonstrated history of high competence, integrity, and professionalism.
  • Assisted qualified and interested people in advancement within the profession.
  • Career long service to the profession.

The Life Member nomination process is covered in Article 3 (3) of the bylaws:

• Approved by vote of the Board and awarded at the Annual Meeting.
• Life Members retain Corporate membership status.
• Nominations shall be presented to the Board and shall include a record and bio.
• Minimum requirements for Life Membership:
• • Career long service to the profession and to PLSO.
  • Served as Chapter President.
  • Corporate membership is current and extends back 10 years prior to nomination.
  • Approved by vote of 2/3 of the board by secret ballot.

For the other awards, look on the PLSO website for the nomination documents. Click on the Members link, then the “Membership Resources E Binder" link in the left vertical ribbon.  That will bring up the section on awards. This is the fun stuff. Each chapter can nominate chapter members for the following awards:

• Article of the Year
• Outstanding Associate or Special Member
• Good Humor Award
• Brush Cutter Award
• Team Player Award
• Bright Idea Award
• Contagious Attitude Award
• Diversity Award
• Hidden Talent Award
• Community Service Award

Awards have been scarce the last few years. Let’s have some fun with it and give out lots of awards in 2015. Your Awards Chair is John Thatcher, and he will be happy to assist you or answer any questions about awards. Email him at here.