Austin SMPS Kick Off!

October Luncheon: Marketing Sustainability - How Green is Green Enough?

Sustainability is the new “green” with A/E/C firms revamping their marketing to meet clients’ requests for sustainable design and LEED accredited projects. This month, we’ll talk to owners known for setting significant sustainability goals on new projects. Representing private and public development, our panelists will share what really matters when going green, what the next big sustainable push will be and what key sustainable practices and qualifications they look for when choosing architects, engineers and contractors.

PANEL
Alan Albers
Executive Director, Operations & Facilities Services, Round Rock ISD

Bob Kallstrom, AIA, LEED AP
Project Manager, Central Health

THE DISCOUNTED PRICE ENDS THURSDAY, OCT 7TH!

When: Thursday, October 14, 2010 11:30 AM -1:00 PM

Where: University of Texas Club - President's Room
2108 E. Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX 78712

Event Registration Fee
Member $35.00 for a limited time
($45.00 original price)

Non-Member $45.00 for a limited time
($55.00 original price)

Click here to register.

2010 SMPS Austin Communications Awards

Put Your Marketing Skills to the Test!

A Study Group Workshop Series for Marketers of All Levels

SMPS’ Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) is recognized as an individual who has met a rigorous standard of experience and expertise in marketing professional services and who agrees to adhere to the ethics and responsibilities of the profession as outlined in the CPSM Code of Ethics.

Whether you are a marketer, business developer or the employer of one, learning the skills necessary for CPSM certification will help you take your organization to the next level.

This workshop series study group is for you if you:

• Are ready to test your marketing skills and want to start preparing for the CPSM
• Don’t want to test for the CPSM yet, but want to learn how to win more work for your firm
• Are curious about the CPSM and want to know what it takes to earn it
• Want to sharpen your marketing skills in Market Research, Market Planning, Client and Business Development, SOQs/ Proposals, Public Relations/Promotion and Information Resource Management
• Have been in the industry awhile and want to have credential initials behind your name

Facilitated by
Mike Wong, CPSM, LEED AP, Tom Green and Company Engineers and TG&W Engineers

When?
• First Meeting: Monday, September 20, 6:00p – 7:00p

Where?
• Tom Green and Company Engineers, Inc.
   3701 Executive Center Dr., Suite 258
   Austin, TX 78731

How Much?
• Orientation Meeting is FREE! (Thurs 9/20/10)
• 8 Series Workshop: FREE! To SMPS Members, $100 Non-  Members

Registration
• Orientation: RSVP to Mike Wong, via e-mail:
  mikew@tgce.com or phone: 512-345-7793
• Workshop series: Registration will begin at the
  orientation meeting.

Member Spotlight: Aan Coleman

Aan Coleman
Coleman & Associates

Aan Coleman, President of Coleman & Associates, has practiced Landscape Architecture throughout Texas for over 29 years. Her firm focuses upon balancing the built environment with the environmental stewardship of the land, and sustainable practices remain her starting point for every design decision. Coleman & Associates’ work includes site planning and landscape improvement plans for communities, parks, universities, schools, office and retail developments, roadways and infrastructure projects, civic buildings and estate residential projects.

I first heard of Aan when I moved to Austin in 2007 and began working for a local landscape architecture firm. As a native plant enthusiast, I find her work to be timeless and inspiring. - Amy DeFrank, Aguirre Roden

1. What is your professional history?
I graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Landscape Architecture in 1981 and started my career in Houston. My first job was with a design build firm that did a lot of work for Trammell Crow. I was transferred to Austin to do several projects for Trammell Crow’s Austin office. I like to say, “I was raised on Trammell Crow!” Trammell Crow was an excellent first client; they were very “can do” and quite patient with a young (but enthusiastic!) Landscape Architect.

2. How were you first introduced to SMPS and what motivated you to join?
I was actually a member of SMPS in the early ‘80s, but then the economy faltered in Texas (sound familiar?). Coleman & Associates rejoined 2 years ago at the suggestion of one of our great clients. Once we came to a luncheon, it was quite obvious that networking and information SMPS provides would be extremely beneficial to our firm. In addition, the “sense of community” in the SMPS group is very supportive.

3. How has SMPS helped you in your career?
In my busy-busy, on-the-go cycle of “get work, do work, get work again,” it is great to be a member of an organization that allows us to see many of our professional friends on a monthly basis. I feel that we are better informed of current events and more aware of upcoming opportunities.

4. What has been your best project experience? Why?
Simple; Umlauf Sculpture Garden. This project happened at the right time in my life, both personally and professionally. It also occurred in a stressful economic cycle, resulting in creative solutions to stretch limited resources. The project – now a beautiful park – continues to bring me joy and the feeling of lasting contribution to something bigger than oneself.

5. What business development/marketing practices do you believe have been key to the success of Coleman & Associates? Why?
I love the industry, and that means the people in it. It is wonderful to be surrounded with such talent (Yes, even the engineers! J). Our success comes from our enthusiasm and relentless commitment to continual growth in our talents and stewardship. I firmly believe that our success is a direct reflection of the successes of our clients, and that our clients have benefited from the aesthetic and environmental investments we have managed in their projects. We feel very supported by our fellow industry friends and strive to keep our relationships strong by ensuring that our work for them makes them look good!

6. What advice would you give to SMPS members in making the most out of their membership?
Follow-up with the connections you make through SMPS and involve your other team members, especially those new to the industry. It takes years – 29 for me – and I still look forward to making new friends. We do not take our relationships lightly; we know that we are only as strong as our last project and our latest happy client. SMPS gives us the platform to develop both.

Making Magic in the Media

SMPS Kick Off Party!

Please join us on Wednesday, September 29th for a happy hour party at J. Black's to kick-off the new SMPS year!

Meet the new 2010-2011 SMPS Austin Board, mingle with members and guests, and learn about the upcoming programs for the new SMPS year. There will also be information on committee participation and sponsorship.

All members are invited and encouraged to bring a non-member guest. The member who brings the most non-members will win a gift card! Non-members will also be eligible for a drawing!

Appetizers will be provided.

Cash bar.

When: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 5:00 PM -7:00 PM

Where: The Cork Room at J. Black's 710 West 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701

FREE Event Registration for Members and Non-Members

Click here to register.