Over the last ten years I have had the opportunity of serving on The Construction Specifications Institute’s Awards and Certification Committees. As a long time member of CSI, I recognize that in any volunteer organization, the only pay the members receive for service to the organization is when their accomplishments are recognized.
This is the reason for the existence of the CSI Honors and Awards Program, and to some extent the CSI Certification Program. The H&A Program provides recognition at a national level. CSI Honors include Distinguished and Honorary Membership plus Fellowship in the Institute. The Awards Program includes recognition for such accomplishments as distinguished service, advancement of CSI, academic accomplishments, specifications writing, communications, construction technology, environmental stewardship, and other areas of recognition. Institute awards are presented at Construct & The CSI Annual Convention.
The program is not limited to Institute awards. Most (should be all) chapters give awards around the end of a fiscal year to recognize the accomplishments of their local members. Even something as simple as a certificate of appreciation for a job well done is important. Make certain that your members feel appreciated for all the hard work they put in, but don’t stop at the chapter level. As I became involved beyond the chapter level in CSI, I realized that the folks receiving awards from the Middle Atlantic Region and the Institute were ordinary folks like me who were doing extraordinary things.
That said, take the time to recognize your peers and colleagues. On September 14th, The Construction Specifications Institute will recognize member’s accomplishments at the Honors and Awards Gala at Construct 2012 in Phoenix. Lists of award recipients and members slated for elevation to Fellowship in the Institute are available at www.csinet.org .
Charlottesville Architect 
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