Annnnndddd we’re off!

That’s right folks, it is May.  And when the first Saturday in May rolls around it is time for the Kentucky Derby, what could be considered the most famous horse race in the world.  Hundreds of thousands of people, from around the world gather, in Louisville, Kentucky the first weekend of May to take part in festivities and watch what has been dubbed “The Run for the Roses” and the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” So, who do I think is going to win this year’s Derby?  Well…if I was a betting man (and I am), I would place a “Boxed Superfecta” (4 horses to finish 1,2,3,4 in any order) bet on CSINext! No folks, I haven’t lost my mind….

I’ve never had much luck betting the Trifecta (1-2-3 finish) in horse racing, but I have with the Boxed Superfecta. So, I figured what the heck….  let’s pick four and see how it goes. And here at CSINext we have four extraordinarily strong runners here in the Chapter that will be in the mix.

In the One Post we have CSI.  I’m sure most of you have seen CSI celebrates 75 years this year. What a milestone for this organization, one that I have proudly been a member of and involved with for 10 years now.  Strong pedigree is the key with this pick. 

Handicappers Notes: The historical bloodlines and the body of knowledge in this organization is beyond the pale.  CSI looks to be a factor now and for years to come – put it on your card!

In the Two Post we have Chapter Education & Academic Affairs Chair Dean Bortz.  Steady out of the gate, mild and measured, an easy to the front kind of runner here.  But once he is there and it is “go time,” boy does he ever.  This past weekend CSINext, in collaboration with Dean and Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio conducted the CSINext / CSCC Spring 2023 CDT Bootcamp for the upcoming CSI testing window.  Dean and his co-presenter Dr. Margaret Owens guided 22 registrants through an entire day preparation class on the CDT content and helped prepare them for what we hope will be 22 new CDT certification holders!  Well done folks! 

Handicappers Notes: This pick exemplifies commitment and a will to lead the charge to the front….  look for him to be in it at the end to snag a win.

Next up in the Three Post is the Architectural Woodwork Institute’s Margaret Fisher.  You might recognize Margaret’s name; she has taken part as a Chapter Sponsor for many years and has presented to the Chapter multiple times on a multitude of Woodworking related topics.  I recently had the pleasure of meeting and listening to Margaret at the CSI Great Lakes Region Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.  It is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to interact with influential and motivational people, and thank those who continue to support CSINext and help make it the experience it has become. 

Handicappers Notes: this pick is super high quality and just like the AWI Standards – the gold standard.  Will be in the mix!

And here in the Four Post we have CSINext Chapter Director – Luana Buratynski.  No doubt folks about the ability for this young lady to set the pace.  If you have visited the CSINext LinkedIn page of late, a couple of months ago Luana was recognized for her work with the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) and highlighted as one of 17 influential women in construction for Women in Construction Week (WICW) 2023.  Well, just earlier this week she doubled up on that feat and was a speaker at the Ontario General Contractors Association event on the advancement of women in construction to a sold-out event.  Couple that with the amazing work she has done with this Chapter, and this is one strong entry. 

Handicappers Notes: don’t look to your left or right, look ahead of you – that's where you will find this one!

Well, that is A LOT to digest and contemplate.  So, who did I pick to win?  Well, that is why I “boxed” the pick for us….it doesn’t matter. These entries could finish any combination of 1-2-3-4 and we would be a winner either way.  Without each one’s dedication to not only CSI and CSINext, but dedication to the profession, to the continued betterment of it, and the selfless leadership qualities shown by each we wouldn’t even be “contender”. Thanks to all of you for making CSI and CSINext a wonderful place to be!

With that folks, I need to go see a man about a horse…. till next time,

Mark