DFI ACTIVITIES Comradery and Collaboration at the WPM The annual DFI Winter Planning Meeting is an opportunity for trustees and committee chairs to reflect on the past year and plan for the year to come. It was held in Santa Fe, N.M., February 5-6. (The DFI Educational Trust Board met February 4, see p. 51). John Wolosick, the new DFI president, addressed the group several times during the meeting and spoke about teamwork, esprit de corps and coming together to focus on DFI’s core competencies. To go along with the theme, attendees were given “DFI team wear” to help stay more visible and accessible to the membership at DFI events. A total of 17 Technical Committee chairs (including two new committees: Subsurface Characterization and Women in Deep Foundations) and three Working Group chairs presented their ongoing activities and plans for the upcoming year. The chairs also met with Mary Ellen Large, technical activities manager, and brainstormed ideas to increase participation, hold successful seminars and better serve the membership. Emilio Fandino, business manager Vic Donald, new surface Investigation committee chair Sub- for DFI, presented an orientation workshop for the trustees focusing on their need for awareness of DFI’s finances and how to navigate those waters. Four new trustees began their terms: Matthew Meyer from Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Alan Roach from Berkel & Company Contractors Inc., Stefano Valagussa from Treviicos Corporation, and Thomas Richards from Nicholson Construction Corporation. International Involvement DFI’s international involvement was a hot topic at the meeting, following from one of the four goals in DFI’s five-year strategic plan: globalization of the institute, revitalization of technical activities, engaging manufacturer/supplier members, and fostering involvement of younger members. Exchange of information through regional chapters was discussed as well as a possible organizational chart for DFI in the future. Maurice Bottiau, from Franki Foundations Belgium, represented DFI Europe and urged the trustees to continue to expand DFI’s international presence. I.V. Anirudhan, vice chair of DFI of India made the long journey and presented on the state of the economy and the industry in India. Plans are being made for DFI of India’s annual conference in Kolkata, India. Winter planning meeting attendees DFI Board Meeting A principal subject of the board meeting was the committee project fund program. This is the fourth year DFI designated funds to the program where DFI Technical Committees submit proposals to conduct research projects that “support approved undertakings, those deemed useful toward advancing deep foundation technology.” This year, five proposals were submitted. A panel reviewed and ranked them, recommending four projects for funding (see page 24). Theresa Engler, DFI’s executive director, reported on membership statistics and led the group in brainstorming ways to increase and retain members. She reviewed the events of the past year and gave an overview of the year to come. The WPM ended with a trustee meeting where the 2014 financials were reviewed, the 2015 budget adopted and future meetings discussed. New trustees: Matthew Meyer, Stefano Valagussa, Alan Roach, Tom Richards DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAR/APR 2015 • 21
