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[ message from
headquarters ]

Summer Greetings Members!

After what seems like months of non-stop rain, I’m drafting this message on a beautiful (and rare) sunny day
in early June. With the cooler temps we’ve experienced, it’s hard to believe summer will officially arrive soon.
The past couple months have kept our office busy with spring cleaning (inside and out), annual dues prep and
more. We’re making an effort to digitize our files to minimize printing, save paper and money, and to allow us to
free up some storage space. This year we focused our spring cleaning efforts on our 3rd floor at HQ, sorting
through files, making piles to shred/recycle or scan. In the process we got rid of 30 cases of paper. We still have
more to go, but each year we’ll be able to dig out a bit more. And, moving forward, we are storing everything
electronically for easier access.

In May, the Shaw Board visited our HQ building for their annual
spring clean-up of the backyard courtyard. Thankfully, the weather
held while we pruned, raked, weeded and beautified the courtyard. A
big thanks to our Shaw Fund for taking such good care of our building!

A friendly reminder, membership dues renewal invoices for the
2025-2026 membership period were emailed on June 9th. Please take
a moment to renew your membership for another year either online or
“The Garden Gang” clockwise from top left: by sending your payment to our office. In the meantime, if there is
Brian Magee, Scott Gillis, Rodger Hess, Richard something on your mind or a professional matter we can assist you
Brooks, Glenn Watson, Bob Smith, Patti Brooks,
Sandra Reardon, Amber Carpenter with, please do not hesitate to call our office.
Here’s the latest updates (as of June 15th) from your
NYSAPLS’ Committees, Board of Directors and HQ Staff who
are keeping busy with several ongoing projects:
Executive Board: The board met in Albany on May 30th, then again
virtually on June 10th. They reviewed the overall association’s finances
and received committee updates from several of the committees (see
committee updates below). Amber provided updates on various
projects at headquarters, including spring cleaning projects, dues
renewal preparations and database cleanup. Glenn Watson reported
on meetings with an architect and plans for potential renovations to the
building. The board was asked to provide feedback on SBELSG’s
website FAQs. They reviewed the webpages and provided feedback. The
Executive Board’s next meeting is scheduled for virtually on July 15th.

Board of Directors: The board held their last meeting on May 30th
in Albany. You can view the minutes of our board meetings on page 26.
Their next meeting is scheduled virtually on Friday, July 18th.
Conference Committee: The committee met virtually on May 29th. The host of the 2026 conference, ENYSLS,
decided the theme of the conference registration brochure and journal cover would involve the 250th anniversary
of the American Revolution, which was inspired by the significant historical events in the Saratoga region during
the war. ENYSLS also volunteered to host the 2028 conference which will be held in Saratoga as well. The
committee discussed sponsorship tiers, entertainment for the Surveyors Social Dinner and possibilities for the
attendee giveaway. Their next meeting is scheduled for July 10th.
Constitution and By-laws Committee: The committee has not met this month. You can view the latest
revision of the bylaws here. (Be sure to login with your membership credentials to view the page.)

Education Committee: The Education Committee held several meetings throughout April to continue review
and selection of topics for the 2026 conference. The committee then met in person on May 30th to begin
finalizing speakers and time slots on the grid. The committee also discussed different topic ideas to fill some of
the blank areas. The committee decided to move forward with the Certified Floodplain Program as its own track
at the 2026 Conference. The committee also discussed upcoming webinar ideas for the rest of 2025.

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EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 61 • NO 4 / 2025 • JULY/AUGUST 5