AARST_Radon_Reporter_Q32022_FINAL

THE RADON REPORTER | 3 ASSOCIATION NEWS LETTER FROMTHE AARST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR It iswith great enthusiasm that I join the AARST organization and themany professional members who are the industry and practice champions working to reduce the risks of radon exposure. AARST membership is a great example of the value of a professional association membership. My experience with professional associations continues to affirm the substantial value membership adds for one’s professional and personal life. The benefits of professional membership are numerous. Important continuing education and training opportunities in most professional associations are regularly offered. Professional development, often required annually, offered by a professional association can be a good way to satisfy these requirements effectively and economically. Another benefit is the networking opportunities, where connecting with others in industry and practice can generate many positive possibilities. Regular collaboration between members provides progress in leadership development, team building skills, as well as advancement in becoming a subject matter expert in a field. Many activities in a professional association can be a valuable way to keep informed of leading-edge knowledge, practices, and professional opportunities. This can spur a renewed enthusiasm for the practice. Membership can also provide opportunities to support a better-quality life working locally, nationally, or even globally. This last element, especially, can realize significant personal satisfactions in work for the greater good. The importance of AARST as a professional association is demonstrated by the success of AARST’s policy work, which includes $80 million for state radon programs over the last 10 years, more protective multifamily lending radon policies, the addition of a testing requirement to Appendix F in the International Residential Code, the increasing adoption of the ANSI-AARST standards by federal and state agencies, and the enactment of state laws to require credentials for radon professionals and protect the public from radon exposure. AARST, as the premier association for Radon and Vapor Intrusion Professionals, will continue the progress as the leading champion to minimize risk of radon exposure. As that leader AARST looks to help support the industry in a variety of ways. Later in January newly updated AARST standards will be available. Another important goal recently set is to help support those small organizations and members by offering a group health plan from AARST. Updates will be provided later in 2023. The 37th Annual International Radon and Vapor Intrusion Symposium will take place in Nashville, TN, October 29 th through November 1 st , 2023. This premier event attracts many industry and practice professionals, many of which are AARST members. The call for abstracts and presentations is presently open. I look forward to meeting you in person! Diane Swecker Regular collaboration between members provides progress in leadership development, team building skills, as well as advancement in becoming a subject matter expert in a field. ” “