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Dear fellow BeSpatial / urisa ontario members,

I am so excited to be your new President. I had to think back, but the last time I was President, it was of Maids Hall, Women’s residence at the University of Guelph a long, long time ago! I have been working the GeoSpatial field since Graduating from Sir Sandford Fleming in 1998. I have worked in GIS software with Avenza, cartographic map production at Western University, photogrammetric map production at Triathlon, and for the last 10 years, LiDAR business development with Airborne Imaging.  

My membership with BeSpatial Ontario, has always been a complement to my “day” job, especially through attending the AGM and various seminars over the years. I have been a member on and off for several years, however became Eastern Section Director in 2017. It has always been a way for me to stay connected with new technology and people in the industry. The key benefits of participating in an Ontario-focused geospatial and information community are to network with folks who have common challenges and share creative and new solutions to those challenges.

BeSpatial Ontario services include networking and knowledge sharing opportunities with colleagues and industry partners. Membership privileges include discount on events, complimentary webinars, regional events, and an annual program event and workshop with over 250 participants, BeSpatial Ontario works closely with partner associations such as AOLS, GoGeomatics, Go Open Data, MISA to provide added value program offerings.

During my two year term I would like to focus on 2 things:

1. I am passionate about helping new graduates be successful in their careers. Over the next two years I plan to help raise our profile with students, increase our student membership by at least 70 more. I would like students to have the opportunity to network within the community and make lasting relationship that will help them in their careers.
2. I am also interested in raising the profiles of our private sector  and consultant members. We need to hear about what you are doing in the GeoSpatial and information industry. I would like to see more webinars and seminars from these members, partnered with their clients, sharing their real time business solutions to others who would find value in the products and services available.

I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you at one of our events.

Sincerely, 

Susan Muleme Kasumba