PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHAPTER HISTORY

Leaders and forward-thinking individuals in the local construction management industry organized the chapter in the fall of 1989.  After chairing the steering committee, Ms. Joanne MacKintosh was elected as the first chapter president and the National Board of Directors officially approved the establishment of the chapter in May 1990.

The Chapter Charter establishes the officers as President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. The Board of Directors (minimum five) is comprised of past chapter presidents.  The Board and officers meet periodically to set the agenda for the chapter.  Committees are organized as required to meet the agenda.  The secretary/treasurer collects chapter dues, which are $250 for large Corporations with unlimited chapter membership, $100 for small Corporations (under 25 employees) again with unlimited chapter membership, $50 for individuals and $0 for students.  The funds are used to operate the chapter and issue news letters/meeting notices.  The chapter organization is all voluntary with no paid staff.

The first general meeting of the chapter was held in Seattle in February 1990 and featured a presentation by the National CMAA President, Al Heyer.  A series of informative dinner and lunch meetings have continued on a monthly basis and more recently on an every other month basis, except during summers.  Presentations at the meetings have focused on local projects as well as safety, contractual, educational, legal and legislative issues.

The chapter, in conjunction with the University of Washington’s College of Engineering Professional Engineering Practice Liaison program, hosted its first seminar on April 26, 1991.  The one-day seminar titled “Avoidance and Resolution of Construction Disputes, or, How to Save your Assets” featured industry experts addressing quality management, development of contracts, legal approaches, negotiation techniques, and alternate disputes resolution.  The seminar was attended by more than 75 representatives of public agencies as well as private firms and was very well received.  Since the first seminar the chapter has organized and presented seminars directed at themes of local interest with a strong flavor for new construction management opportunities.

The Chapter President and Board were especially pleased that the National CMAA Board of Directors accepted the Chapters invitation to hold the 1992 National CMAA Conference in Seattle.  The four-day conference featured state-of-the-art-presentations by leaders in the CM industry, which was of interest to both beginning practitioners and experienced professional.    Chapter members have participated in all of the National CMAA Conferences to date as attendees, members of committees, Board members, and as presenters.

The Pacific Northwest Chapter is a growing organization that will continue to have a significant and positive impact on the regional CM industry.   For example, the chapter represents CMAA on the Washington State School Advisory Board and was instrumental in legislation requiring construction management for larger school construction projects in this state.

The major goal of the chapter is enhancing the quality of the practice, promoting professional registration and certification of construction managers, and encouraging student participation.

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