Component leadership from across the state, region, and country assembled in Washington DC over the past several days to meet with congressional leaders, obtain continuing education, and to learn of new initiatives, efforts, or programs of the Institute. AIA Ohio was well represented with leadership from every chapter in attendance and over twenty representatives from across the state. The focus of the program was of course the economy, with AIA's Blueprint for Economic Recovery being the platform of issues presented to members of the House and Senate.
AIA Ohio, including members of our staff and Executive Committee, local chapter President-Elects, Regional Director, and our State and Regional Associate Directors, met with representatives of Senator Voinovich's office as well as that of Senator Brown and presented the need for each program. Other leaders from throughout the state met with many of the local representatives or their staff to relay the need and importance of implementing programs that will encourage job growth in the hard-hit design and construction industry. This year's program, and the issues discussed, are at the heart of the needs of our industry and membership. Hopefully, with a continued effort on the part of the Institute, leadership, and members, this years program will be defined as an important piece of the economic recovery puzzle.