EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE D The Strength of Diversity DFI is what is called a FI is fortunate to have a diverse mem- bership that encompasses all disciplines of our industry and performs the various specialties that comprise deep foundations. The membership also includes people and companies from across the globe with different levels of experience. This diversity provides great value for the members — a synergistic atmosphere where everyone involved in deep foundation design and construction can discuss challenges and share successes. Where someone new to the profession can interact with legendary contributors and innovators. Where an engineer can learn about a new product from a manufacturer or supplier that would be perfect for the next project they are designing. Or where a contractor can present a case history on its ground- breaking installation technique, and a university professor can take that information back to the classroom and provide students with an example of how what they are learning is applied in the field. The following graphic representation of the current makeup of DFI’s membership shows the opportunities for each segment to not only confer with others in their discipline — engineer to engineer — as they would in an engineering society, but also engineer to contractor or engineer to supplier or vice versa, practitioner to academician or agency representative to contractor, etc. Organization Type “hybrid” in the association world — a mix between a professional society and a trade association. A professional society is typically comprised of individual members of a specific profession focusing on standards and ethics, while a trade association represents the companies in an industry and the interests of those companies by promoting collaboration and consensus. Our members get the best of both worlds in one membership. Our technical committees work on guidance and best practices documents while our events offer the opportunity for networking and promotion of products and services to other members. North American Region Theresa Engler Executive Director [email protected] America’s regions. Globally, North America holds the clear majority of members; however, we have just begun to provide services to individuals and companies in the other regions. Growing our membership in the rest of the world will provide additional benefits for those in North America to learn from and share knowledge with these new members. As always, DFI is here for the industry, South East 17% Midwest 18% North East 26% West 20% Canada 11% Mexico 1% Southwest 7% At the same time, this means our Consulting Eng, 854, 28% Academic 9% Contractor, 1151, 37% Supplier, 572, 19% Services 3% Owner 4% members are all here for different reasons, and as such, DFI must continually diversify our offering of benefits and activities to provide something for everyone. As I write this message, I’ll be heading to our annual planning meeting where the leadership (trustees and committee chairs) will endeavor to do just that. DFI is also answering the needs of the industry across the globe and in turn gaining membership outside North America. As the figures illustrate, DFI has a relatively balanced representation of membership across North looking to provide a true value to all who support us. We listen to our current members as well as those considering membership who have an interest in deep foundation construction so that your dollars are put to good use for your company and for the advancement of your career in this ever-changing economic climate. We are here to provide an environment for net- working, knowledge sharing, knowledge gaining, best practices, brainstorming, training and collaboration through many means, and welcome your suggestions and feedback every step of the way. World Region N. America 87% S. America 1% Europe 6% Pacific 1% Africa 1% Middle East 1% Caribbean 0% Central America 0% Asia 3% DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAR/APR 2015 • 9
