Hartman succeeds Bill Austin as President of WM AIA

At the Annual Meeting of the Western Mass AIA, the chapter formally elected Thomas RC Hartman as President.  Hartman vowed to lead in a new era of peace and prosperity.

"I’d like to thank the chapter for electing me President for the next two years. It’s been a pleasure to serve as President-Elect while Bill Austin was President, and I’d like to thank him for is gracious leadership. Bill has strengthened our relationship with the Home Builders Association and working with Lorin Starr, has increased our visibility to our membership and the community. Bill will continue to serve as Past President within our chapter while also being President Elect of AIA Massachusetts. Thank you Bill!

"AIA Massachusetts is our statewide organization, and includes our chapter, Central MA AIA, and the Boston Society of Architects. Each chapter has three voting members of a nine member board. The role of AIA Mass is to advocate for architects at the statewide government and policy levels, and is staffed by a lobbyist and Public Policy Director, John Nunnari. In the coming year there are several initiatives that we will be working on. These include creating the ability for design professionals to place mechanic liens for outstanding payments and developing a statewide home energy rating system for residential projects.

"Our Chapter the initiative of a statewide home energy rating system, which was a recommendation of the Governor’s Zero Energy Task Force, to AIA Mass for statewide support by our collective membership. In my Presidency, I plan to continue to develop the relationship and understanding with the builders, realtors, and bankers towards this end. There is general support for the rating, yet apprehension that it be mandatory at the time of sale. We’ve had individual meetings with the Home Builder’s Association of Western MA and the Realtor’s Association of the Pioneer Valley, and I look forward to organizing an opportunity for our members and related professions to discuss the initiative."

The HERS-at-point-of-sale measure, recommended by the Governor's Zero Energy Task Force, is similar to one proposed by (US) Vice-President Joe Biden's Recovery Through Retrofit plan.  It would provide consumer protection for what is likely the largest purchase of most people's lives, reduce fuel consumption, increase energy security, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.  Tom is hopeful that the building industry can come together to create a strong and viable solution.

 

Afterwards, the Pres rocked it out.