EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE Charity, Volunteerism and Working Together A s we wrap up the DFI 42 Annual Con- ference on Deep Foundations and enter nd the holiday season, “giving back” and “helping others” are themes and sentiments that again become front and center. As traditional as holiday get togethers, approaching the end of a year also encourages us to look back and plan forward — incorporating the lessons learned from the year’s activities. Reflecting on giving back and helping others, the word charity comes to mind. It’s meaning, “the voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need,” made me think of the DFI Educational Trust and the excellent job it is doing fulfilling its mission to provide future industry members with financial assistance through monetary scholarships and valuable learning experiences at DFI events. During its 11-year history, the Educational Trust has assisted more than 250 students by providing more than $905,000 for college tuition, and has supported others in attending DFI conferences and seminars, and visiting jobsites. This exceptional accomplishment was lauded several times the 42 Annual Conference in New Orleans. We appreciate the generosity of all readers who have made these efforts possible by attending fundraising events, providing direct contributions to funds, sponsoring various activities and judging scholarship applications. Thinking of charity also brings to mind throughout our members’ meeting during nd the DFI Committee Project Fund, which has provided research funding in excess of $700,000, sparking an estimated $2 million of in-kind contributions that has produced numerous reports, guidelines and other useful deliverables. The word volunteerism also comes to mind. Because of the hard work of countless people — from those who serve on the board, a committee or a working group, to those who pitch in to organize conferences, from those who write papers for this magazine, the DFI Journal and conference proceedings, to those that review and edit the papers, and to those who compile their experiences and share them via PowerPoint at the many courses and seminars — much is accomplished. We currently have nearly 500 active individuals serving on our tech- nical committees and working groups, and many more lend a hand throughout the year because their membership means more than remitting their dues — they know that when they give, they also receive. In addi t ion to charity and volunteerism, there’s the collaboration, networking and com- munication that is an essential part of working together for a common goal, the crux of every association, in an effort to improve and advance the industry that it serves. You, the members, and the other associations’ members with whom we work regularly to strengthen our reach and to provide broader perspective on industry issues, make it possible for us to continue to grow and adapt to the ever changing needs of the marketplace and the projects we perform. I’m pleased to say we have taken on initiatives together with associations across the globe to address topical items that need to be brought to the forefront through industry-wide conversations on safety, risk management , working platforms and project information Theresa Engler Executive Director [email protected] Undoubtedly, DFI is richer because of you who take membership seriously by getting involved and joining in when the opportunity arises. management. Along the way, we learn from each other and listen to opposing viewpoints in an effort to synthesize the best way forward to provide consensus and guidance, which can then be used for effi- ciency and economy in our final products. Looking forward, these conversations will continue during upcoming events, such as IFCEE 2018 in March in Orlando, DFI-EFFC Interna- tional Conference on De ep Founda t i ons and Ground Improvement in early June in Rome, and the 43 Annual Conference in October in Anaheim. In addi t ion, we wi l l communicate and share the outcomes of these conversations through new media, such as webinars, to further the reach and branch out beyond our typical audience to ensure the message is delivered to all that can benefit. SuperPile ’18 in late June in New York City, rd Undoubtedly, DFI is richer because of you who take membership seriously by getting involved and joining in when the opportunity arises. Your charity, volun- teerism, and willingness to work together and with others provide benefits and improvements to our industry – now that’s great ROI! Please do your part in the coming year, we’re counting on you. DEEP FOUNDATIONS • NOV/DEC 2017 • 9
