FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
Chapter 20 President: Sean Lawler, SR/WA
T.S. Eliot wrote “What we call the beginning is often the end and to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” Minnesota’s own Semisonic echoed this sentiment with their lyrics “Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
I was fortunate to attend this year’s IRWA International Education Conference in Denver, Colorado. The talk of the conference was what chapter leaders can and should be doing to re-engage their members following the numerous pitfalls of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Chapter leaders across the association shared stories of decreased attendance at chapter meetings and their struggles to recruit new members. They discussed many strategies and ideas they hope to implement in the coming years to address these challenges. However, Chapter 20 did not echo this sentiment. Despite arguably being more impacted than any other chapter due to the cancellation of the 2020 Conference in Minneapolis, Chapter 20 remains strong. Our chapter is comprised of dedicated professionals who are actively working to advance their education, their career and their profession while serving their colleagues. So, what makes us different?
There are many explanations, too many to name. However, one explanation stands out among the rest. The foresight of our chapter leadership. Outgoing Director Matt Haglin and President Brian Mielke recognized very early on that the end is where we start from, that every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. Through member feedback surveys, self-reflection and uncomfortable conversations, Matt and Brian devised a plan to overcome the obstacles presented by the pandemic and then executed on that plan to ensure a bright future for Chapter 20. Today our chapter membership numbers are on the rise, we are recruiting young professionals to our industry, seats at our member meetings are full, we are fiscally strong with record support from our sponsors, and the support our members provide to each other is unrivaled. On behalf of Chapter 20, thank you Matt Hagelin and Brian Mielke for your tremendous leadership through challenging times and your numerous contributions to our chapter and our members.
As your incoming Chapter 20 President, I have big shoes to fill. I look forward to serving you and being part of an even greater 2023-2024 chapter year and beyond. We have a fun year in store! It's closing time, open all the doors.
2022 - 2023 SPONSORS
Chapter 20 extends a huge thank you to our numerous 2023-2024 sponsors for providing a record level of support. We are grateful to have companies within our chapter that believe in building a better future for Chapter 20 and we absolutely could not do it without their continued support.
Platinum
- WSB
- HDR
- ProSource
- Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
Gold
- Great River Energy (GRE)
- Xcel Energy
Silver
- Valbridge Property Advisors
- SRF
Bronze
- Acquire ROW Services, LLC
- Ulteig
- Henning Professional Services
- Patchin-Messner Valuation Counselors
2022 - 2023 EXECUTIVE BOARD
- Director: Brian Mielke, SR/WA, R/W-NAC
- President: Sean Lawler, SR/WA
- President Elect: Faye Gillespie
- Treasurer: Joe Haefner
- Secretary: Michael Stupka
UPCOMING JULY MEMBER APPRECIATION EVENT
Mark your calendars for the July Member Appreciation event. Event will include a Vine to Wine Tour, Wine Tasting & Charcuterie, and a Bocce Ball Tournament! Cost is free to members.
- Location: Schram Vineyards - 8785 Airport Rd, Waconia, MN 55387
- Time: 10:30 - Noon - Virtual Board Meeting. The appreciate event starts at 3 PM.
- For more information, click here!
- To Register, click here!
We look forward to seeing you!
UPCOMING MNDOT RIGHT OF WAY CONFERENCE AND GOLF OUTING
The September member meeting will be held at Wedgewood Golf & Mini-Golf. Join us prior to the 2023 Right of Way Professionals Workshop presented by MNDOT for a fun golf outing on one of Minnesota's shortest golf courses. This a fun, non-challenging course. There is also a top-rated mini golf course on location. Whether you're an experienced golfer, a first timer or prefer to mini golf come join the fun! Click here for more information and to register!
Stick around after golfing for the 3-day 2023 Right of Way Professionals Workshop presented by MNDOT next door at Breezy Point. The 2023 Right of Way Professionals Workshop is a fantastic conference which provides terrific locally oriented right-of-way educational sessions. Your attendance is highly encouraged! Learn more about the workshop and register on their website: https://dot.state.mn.us/landmanagement/calendar.html
ST. CLOUD STATE JOB FAIR
In conjunction with Chapter 20's well established college outreach program, Chapter 20 representatives will be attending St. Cloud State University's September 2023 Job Fair. Any Chapter 20 employers who have internship and/or job opportunities available are encouraged to provide details of the opportunity to Chapter 20 Treasurer Joe Heafner. This is a low level of effort opportunity to broadcast your job opening to an audience of hundreds of students preparing to enter the workforce. Chapter 20 is excited to offer this benefit to all of our wonderful employers!
MAY MEMBER MEETING RECAP
Chapter 20's May member meeting provided a unique opportunity for chapter members to tour a newly constructed wind farm in southern Minnesota. The meeting included a case study presentation on renewable energy right-of-way development practices and procedure and an overview of the day-to-day operations of a wind farm. The day concluded with a site visit to an operating wind turbine and the opportunity for attendees to enter inside the wind tower. Thank you to Sean Lawler, Adam Svercl and new Chapter 20 sponsor Xcel Energy for hosting such a memorable event!
Also in May, the Chapter 20 Board unanimously voted provide a letter of support of the Public Land Survey System Perpetuation Initiative. The original Public Land Survey in Minnesota was completed in the early 1900’s. After that time, the maintenance of the system was left to local landowners and governmental units. Unfortunately, many of the monuments were quickly destroyed. The PLSS Initiative’s goal is to establish funding through state legislation for statewide restoration and preservation of the PLSS. Learn more about the PLSS Initiative at their website: Public Land Survey System Perpetuation Initiative (arcgis.com). IRWA is proud to support the PLSS Initiative which will bring numerous benefits to the right-of-way profession.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE RECAP
Chapter 20 had an outstanding showing at the 2023 International Education Conference in Denver, Colorado. Washington County was a finalist for Government Employer of the Year and WSB was selected as the Employer of the Year with less than 20 right-of-way employees, congratulations! We appreciate all these companies do for Chapter 20 and how well their employees represent our chapter!
In addition to bringing home hardware, the International Education Conference offered great educational and networking opportunities. Events included the Young Professionals Event, the RWIEF Monday Night Event, Region 3 Caucus, Awards and Recognition Ceremony and much more. Chapter 20 is also proud to announce a $1,000 donation to the Right-of-Way International Education Foundation (RWIEF).
The 2024 International Education Conference will be held in Long Beach, California. We hope to see you there for a great opportunity for continuing education, networking and a little fun on the beach!
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
Please welcome our newest members to Chapter 20:
- George Vinson from Otter Tail Power Company
- Russ Holthaus from WSB
Please extend a warm welcome to them. We look forward to their participation in Chapter 20.
If you have any questions about your membership, please feel free to contact Ben Barker at 612-581-6572 or bbarker@wsbeng.com.
WEBSITE UPDATE
Check out our new website! Same address, new look. The switch to a new website host company lowers chapter overhead costs and also significantly improves ease of use for our volunteer webmasters. We will continue to update and improve the new website into the future.
EDUCATION CREDITS AT MEETINGS
New in 2023, we are excited to offer continuing IRWA education credits for attendance at chapter member meetings with an educational component. Attendees will receive one continuing education credit which can be applied towards IRWA professional designations or recertifications. The next opportunity to receive continuing education credits will be at the November member meeting. Please contact Chapter 20 Professional Development Chair Sean Lawler with any questions regarding this program.
RWIEF - THE SKINNY ON SCHOLARSHIPS
Most of us know that the Right of Way International Education Foundation is the non-profit funding mechanism for right of way education, providing funds for new courses, updates of existing courses and other education initiatives. Not as many of us remember that RWIEF supports three scholarship programs, click here to get the skinny!
UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
- Course 800 - Principles of Real Estate Law - VIRTUAL CLASS - August 22nd and 23rd, 2023.
- Course 421 - Valuation of Partial Acquisitions - 4 day class - Golden Valley, MN – December 12th to the 15th
Special request hosting course opportunities are available in September/October of 2023. If anyone wants or needs a specific course and their organization wants to host, contact Shawn Zepper for more details.
More information coming soon!
- C105 – The Uniform Act Executive Summary slated February 2024
- C902 – Property Description slated for April of 2024
For more information on our upcoming education opportunities, visit our Chapter's Education Page or contact Chapter 20's Education Chair, Shawn Zepper.
Candidacies/Designations
- Andy Girga (Enbridge) RWA
- Derrick Teich (Dakota Electric) RWA
- Becky Nordskog (Minnesota Power) RWA
NEW IRWA DESIGNATION PATHWAY
“Without change, there would be no butterflies.” – Maya Angelou. A revamped SR/WA designation pathway took flight in July 2022. Coursework requirements in all three levels Right of Way Agent (RWA), Right of Way Professional (RWP) and Senior Right of Way Professional (SR/WA) have increased to 272 total credit hours. The new look SR/WA pathway has been thoughtfully designed to help members acquire more advanced knowledge from several right of way discipline areas. Members currently pursuing RWA, RWP, SR/WA designations must take action by selecting one of two options:
- Stay on Current Industry-Specific Pathway: Members currently pursuing the RWA designation are required to complete and submit a Declaration of Industry-Specific Candidacy Form by December 31, 2022 to remain in your current industry-specific pathway. Members who have already obtained an RWA or RWP will not have to declare their candidacy. No fee will be charged for this initial declaration of candidacy. Members will have five years from December 31, 2022 to complete all the requirements for the industry-specific pathway.
- Migrate to New SR/WA Pathway: Members currently pursuing the RWA, RWP or SR/WA who would like to migrate to the new SR/WA pathway are required to complete and submit a Declaration of New SR/WA Pathway Candidacy Form and pay a $25 fee for RWA and RWP and a $50 fee for SR/WA.
Chapter 20 understands that additional coursework requirements means additional education costs to our members. A Scholarship Fund has been established to assist Chapter 20 Members with continuing education costs. If you are in need of financial assistance to help cover the rising costs of education, please contact Chapter 20 President Brian Mielke bmielke@wsbeng.com to submit a scholarship application. Look for the Chapter 20 Scholarship Application on the Chapter’s website in the coming weeks.
Declaration of Candidacy Forms can be submitted to Chapter 20 PDC Chair Sean Lawler at sean.w.lawler@xcelenergy.com. If you have any questions about the revamped SR/WA pathway or the Declaration of Candidacy Forms, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to helping you navigate the new and improved SR/WA pathway and achieve your credentialing goals.
CHAPTER 20 BLOG
Chapter 20's Blog was created to foster meaningful communication and sharing of information between our Executive Board, Committee Chairs, Chapter 20 Members, and all others who wish to participate. Please visit the Blog often as Committee Chairs and Executive Board Members post updates, news, and other relevant information pertaining to the Right of Way profession.