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• Poll results from a recent survey show that 40% of respondents are not Public Relations
receiving communication from their regions. Regional Directors are Lem Morrison
encouraged to increase engagement efforts. • Members were in New York City promoting Surveyors Week, including
• It was noted that direct outreach (phone calls) remains the most effective outreach activities and public engagement efforts. Jen participated dressed
as “Libby,” and promotional materials such as the Mount Rushmore poster
recruitment method. were utilized.
• A discussion was held on the challenges of inactive regionals and the • Lem reported that while outreach efforts were positive, continued
potential to absorb members into neighboring regionals, as well as possible improvement is needed. Stickers and trading cards were effective, while
restructuring. Two regions highlighted were Queens and CAALS. Queens has temporary tattoos were less impactful, particularly given the tourist-heavy
been non-responsive despite outreach efforts, while CAALS is progressing audience. Overall, outreach remains a challenge. Steve noted that the
toward reactivation but faces low attendance and an aging membership. impact of these efforts is difficult to measure.
• Nik mentioned that the committee previously explored redistricting; however, • Jeremy reported completing a radio interview and contributing to an article
after analyzing the data, it recommended maintaining the current regional addressing current challenges in the profession, along with historical
structure. John Abruzzo noted this had been discussed before and deemed perspective.
it not feasible. Scott Gillis added that such changes would require major • Lem acknowledged Leanne (The Martin Group) for her support and
revisions to the bylaws. coordination efforts.
• The committee is seeking guidance from the Board on how to roll up or • The photo contest has received approximately 35 submissions to date;
members are encouraged to continue participating in and sharing content.
phase out a region.
Outreach continues through events such as career fairs.
• A discussion was held on whether the bylaws should include a formal • Amber provided an update on the Social Media Policy, noting it was
process for phasing out inactive regionals. previously adopted at the executive level. The PR Committee has reviewed
and updated it to reflect current practices, platforms, and mission.
Minimum Technical Standards (ad hoc)
Roy Garfinkel, Chair • Glennon recommended that the Directors take the revised policy back to
• No new updates to report; currently in a holding pattern. their respective regions for further discussion prior to the next meeting, at
which time a vote will be held to consider adoption of the policy.
• Roy Garfinkel would like to have a discussion later in the meeting about the
reassignment of the committee’s members. Strategic Planning
Amber Carpenter
Nominations and Awards • Committee met on March 3rd, discussed the member poll and started to
Kaleb Winters, Chair identify key themes.
• No report • Amber met with Susan to draft questions. The committee meets again on
March 24th to review the questions and put together an agenda for the
NSPS retreat.
Patti Brooks
• Patti Brooks welcomed Roy Garfinkel to his new role, noting she looks • Amber noted that if you have not already registered for the retreat to do so
now, deadline is March 31st.
forward to seeing him at the April meeting. She also acknowledged Tim
Burch’s participation at the Annual Meeting and expressed appreciation for • We would like each committee and region represented. Be sure to confirm
Amber’s increased engagement with the NSPS Committee. with your region who are the representatives that will be attending the
retreat. The committee is recommending 1 current member (potentially
• Discussion regarding budgeting and funding support to assist members in being the officer that attends the board meetings) and 1 new face.
attending NSPS events, with plans to present the topic to the Shaw Fund.
Several members (Rick, Roy, Amber, Keith, and Patti) are planning to attend Workforce Development Committee
the Spring Meeting. Amber Carpenter
• Growth in NSPS representation was noted, along with the successful • Committee last met on March 16th, in which they reviewed the recent and
upcoming school visits.
delivery of NSPS promotional materials, including trading cards, which were
distributed during Geo Week. Additional outreach materials (stickers and • They discussed the wage survey that was sent out in November and have
decided to relaunch the poll due to lack of responses. Please make sure to
temporary tattoos) have been ordered by NYSAPLS for elementary school participate this time.
visits as part of the “Get Kids into Survey” campaign. • They are seeking volunteers for upcoming school visits and career fairs.
• Amber provided an update on her role as Affiliate/Executive Representative, If you are interested, please contact the head office for more details and
representing Executive Directors at Board meetings. She also reported on information.
the mentor/mentee program. • Be on the lookout for career fairs in your area. If you know of one that you
• It was noted that as of March 12 there are 26 teams and 30 volunteers for would like to attend or you would like to bring to the attention of NYSAPLS
the student competition this year, with a goal of two volunteers per team. please contact the head office.
Additional participation is encouraged.
• Upcoming events include the Spring Meeting and Day on the Hill. Young Professionals
Keith Burley, Chair
• Discussion was held regarding NCESS and the proposed non-boundary • Keith thanked everyone who participated in the Field Olympics and attended
license, potentially available by 2029 pending state adoption. The consensus the Young Professionals Social at this year’s past conference.
is not to support adoption at this time. Joe Berger has communicated • The Young Professionals Committee still has lots of leftover calendars, you
concerns to the State Board. Eric Greppo was identified as New York’s
NCESS representative. Patti will work on developing a clearer position for
the Board and provide a recommendation. continued on page 26
EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 62 • NO 3 / 2026 • MAY/JUNE 25