During the first weekend of December, members of the Arizona ASLA Chapter met at the beautiful Aravaipa Canyon Ranch for a strategic planning retreat. The western farmstead was located deep in the breath-taking high country of Arizona surrounded by towering canyons, grandiose cacti, and a low flow river lined with majestic cottonwood trees who proudly displayed their fall colored leaves. Even the ranch’s two horses along with a few wild javalina and big horned sheep, paid the occasional surprise visit, and they didn’t seem to mind the fact that there was no cellular phone and internet service within miles.

Amid the strategic planning retreat’s amazing backdrop, the AzASLA group developed an action plan that addressed the goals and challenges at the local chapter level as well as those of National and the profession. It was determined that four primary objectives would be set for the chapter to focus on for the next three to five years. These include:

1)     To actively strengthen the perceived role of landscape architects & AzASLA;

2)     Strategize a plan for funding;

3)     Increase membership and chapter participation; and

4)     Enhance communication efforts to all members.

The next steps will be to finalize the specific strategies that will accomplish the objectives.  The Arizona chapter is eager to start the new year as they begin to prepare to host the 2012 annual meeting. In doing so, the chapter is also gearing up to show the nation why Arizona is such a unique place to live and work while promoting our noble profession. With all the enthusiasm emanating from the building, maybe there was a reason why the wildlife demonstrated such an interest with the landscape professionals who were gathering at their unique home for the weekend.

Dean Chambers, Jim Coffman, Ray Buchelt, Paula Kornegay, Laura Paty, and Jack Gilcrest

Sitting (from left to right)

Mike Buschbacher, Kaylee Colter, Heidi Flugstad, Irene Ogata, and Duane Blossom