Make Sure Your Voice is Heard—Vote Today for the IECA Board of Directors

By Lee Johnson

In 2007, I had the privilege to write the Director’s Message where I asked the membership to step forward by volunteering some of their time to the organization in one capacity or another.

I am happy to see that many have responded in all areas. In particular, we virtually doubled the people willing to be nominated for the International Erosion Control Association’s Board of Directors in 2007. It appears again that this year we have more nominees than open positions on the Board. This is great, and I hope we can continue to have even more candidates next year willing to serve on the Board.

Now for the bad news. People agreed to be nominated last year, and after the vote was counted, these members stepped forward to fill the vacant seats on the Board. Out of a membership of more than 3,500, approximately 8% took the five minutes out of their schedule to cast their vote. The candidates take more time to fill out the application to run for the Board of Directors than it takes to go online, fax, or mail your vote. This same voting scenario can be seen not only at the international level but at the Chapter level as well.

It is not too late to change this from happening again this year. The International Board of Director’s elections are still open until November 1, 2008. As I asked for your increased involvement last year, I ask again for you to get involved in your organization.

It’s easy to vote—here’s how:

1. Go to your computer now.

2. Type in www.ieca.org.

3. In the top right hand corner of the homepage enter your user name (usually your last name) and your password (usually your membership number).

4. This will take you to the Members Only page. Halfway down the right side of the page is the box “IECA Board Election Vote”-click that box. It will take you to the electronic ballot and the candidates’ information.

5. Vote for one, two, or three (maximum) candidates for the Board of Directors.

6. Or send your ballot by fax or through the mail.

If you can’t find your membership number or don’t have access to a computer, feel free to call the IECA Headquarters at 800-455-4322 (US) or 303-640-7554 and they will be happy to get you the information you need to vote.

I am not asking you to vote for any particular candidate. But please support those who have decided to run for office by taking a few moments to vote for the candidate(s) of your choice.