This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Residential Knowledge Community and Practice Management Member Conversations .
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AIA Members,
The next installment in our monthly series of opinion pieces as part of the AIA's ongoing program to reach out and connect with the American public has been posted to the AIA Government Advocacy website:
Our topic this month is of interest to all AIA members who have had trouble finding financing for projects. "Solving the Credit Crunch - On Our Own," is an explainer piece that highlights the job-creating potential of the design and construction industry and explains in part why the economic recovery has been so weak. The primary reason is the chronic credit crunch. The piece also announces a new survey by the AIA, a first-ever AIA attempt to assemble a database of projects nationwide that have been stalled due to lack of financing. We intend to make this database available to potential investors interested in investing in otherwise credit-worthy projects. This endeavor was announced last week in Chicago at CGI America, the first conference of the Clinton Global Initiative solely dedicated to economic issues impacting the United States.
As we've stated previously, these opinion pieces are designed to "tee up" issues that have yet to receive coverage or - in some cases - respond to issues that have been covered in the media - such as jobs, small business stimulus, pending national legislation, sustainability and design relevance. They are intended to assist you - the local AIA leaders and members - in speaking out on issues important to the profession. We'd love to have your feedback on your efforts and would be more than happy to offer you advice as you go along. Please send any questions to me at johnschneidawind@aia.org.
See the complete op-ed series at: http://www.aia.org/components/AIAB086495
If you have ideas for future topics or comments on the program, you can contact the Public Engagement Subcommittee of the AIA Board Advocacy Committee:
Russell A. Davidson, AIA - Regional Director, New York State
Jeff Gill, AIA - Regional Director, California
Bill Wilson, FAIA - Regional Director, Texas
Bill Bishop, AIA - Regional Director, Florida
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John Schneidawind
Director, Media Relations and Public Affairs
The American Institute of Architects
Washington DC
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