City Trees

6 CityTREES I have been asked to convey some of the things that have been most beneficial to me during my 43-year green industry career. It took me a little while to under- stand the importance of building a strong network of folks that were colleagues, co-workers, team members, industry leaders, etc. I have found over the years that surrounding myself with very smart people gave me opportunities for learning and grow- ing that were priceless. In my early career I was adamant that I could and would do it all by myself. How very wrong I was. I was sure I could find the research, answer the questions, and develop the techniques for all necessary challenges—but reinventing the wheel every time is so unnecessary. If you have sur- rounded yourself with a strong network, often you can build your knowledge, programs, and projects based on tried-and-true, readily available information. I have benefitted greatly in my job with the City of Charlotte by very deliberately building strong working relationships with our state and regional nurserymen; with departmen- tal, state, and consulting engineers; and through other sci- ence-based associations. With that deliberate focus I have also developed strong friendships and mentorships. The Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) has also been a critical tool in my green industry journey. I have a greater understanding of the importance of network building, rela- tionships, and clear communication because I attended MFI. MFI was held in Litchfield, Connecticut in February. We had 32 attendees for whom MFI potentially changed the course of their careers. The experiences and connections made there have the capacity to last those arborists their entire careers and lifetimes. They were given the tools to create an abiding and supportive network. I challenge our new MFI graduates and all SMA members to intentionally focus on building strong networks. Consider as part of your network arborists we learn from, universi- ty/extension educators that we gather information from, nurserymen we purchase plant material from, engineers we design with, associations like SMA and ISA that provide like-minded people with whom to discuss challenges, and state and federal urban forestry representatives who pro- vide research-based information. Your career will be more productive, creative, and successful if you build yourself a strong network. I couldn't agree more with SMA President Sarah Morris's emphasis on build- ing a network. None of us can be a one-(wo)man show in today's world. A few years ago, we added networking to the Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) curriculum when it came to our attention some people do not feel all that comfortable in a social situation that presents itself as an opportunity to build a network. Conferences, receptions, meetings, etc.—all offer us a chance to practice and refine our networking skills. For some, this comes easily—but for many people, it is a learning experience. One of the things I love most about MFI is the time and space it offers all of us to identify our weaker skills and hone them amongst friends. It's a chance to get outside our comfort zone and try something new, to push ourselves and stretch our abilities. It's also one of the things I love most about SMA. We are an organization of many skilled individuals who are more than willing to share their expertise. We are a group who doesn't mind admitting we don't know how to do something and asking for help from our peers. MFI only lasts a week, and most of our members will only attend MFI once. And that's where SMA membership comes in. After that MFI week ends, the network you build with your classmates and with the MFI grads who have gone before you continues to grow. I hope you have attended MFI, but if you haven't, your SMA network is right here waiting for you. With so much going on, there is a place for you to engage. From being a website reviewer, to phoning new mem - bers, to serving on the membership committee, to helping launch our first-ever online silent auction, there are a myriad of opportunities just waiting for you to say you'd like to be involved. From an hour or two a month to several hours a week, we want to continue to provide you with a network of peers who are all interested in advancing not only themselves but their favorite professional association. Join in the fun and continue to build your network. President's Message Sarah Morris Executive Director's Message Jerri J. LaHaie

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