|
From the President - June 2017 |
December 6, 2016 |
|
 Our Volunteers: The Fuel that Keeps the HGS Running
The HGS depends on volunteers to help the Society serve our membership, the larger geological community and even citizens within the Houston area. Without them freely donating their time and energy, the HGS would not be able to hold the monthly technical meetings, the boutique conferences and put together our social networking events. Participating in the HGS by volunteering helps all parties: The Society and the individuals. Every June we honor a subset of these volunteers but all of them deserve our thanks and praise.
|
|
|
From the President - October 2016 |
October 1, 2016 |
|
 Tough Times vs. Continued Commitment
I would like to thank all of the companies and individuals that have continued their financial support for the HGS and our activities during these difficult times. Budgets are tight in the oil patch as all of you know. The direct result of these tight budgets is the loss of industry financial sponsorships for our events and fundraisers, coupled with a 50% attendance reduction at typically high attendance events, underwritten by the HGS. Please understand that even though the Houston Geological Society is a Not-For-Profit 501 C organization; we still need to generate enough profit at our events to pay for our general operating overhead.
|
|
|
From the President - September 2016 |
September 1, 2016 |
|
Who Are You?
Geologist Poroperm – you have been laid off. Geophysicist Hertz – you survived the latest cuts, but are unsure about your career progression. Both geoscientists wonder: “Do I have a future in this industry?” The answer to this question depends on you.
|
|
|
From the President - June 2016 |
June 1, 2016 |
|
 Thank You All...and a Parting Commentary
This will be my last Board in Action column, and as such, I would like to take part of this piece to sincerely thank the wonderful people with whom I have served this year. Many kudos go out to the other volunteers on the Board. Not only have they been organized and informed when coming to the meetings, but were eager and willing to do the tasks assigned. And with the exception of one meeting – we were generally out early (no reading of reports!).
|
|
|
From the President - May 2016 |
May 1, 2016 |
|
Free Range
Geology is fundamentally, by definition, a field science; I’m not talking about potential fields here. I’m talking about lava fields, glacial ice fields, cow fields you need to cross to get to your outcrop—I’m talking about going outside!. (Written by Penny Patterson, HGS Director)
|
|
|
From the President - April 2016 |
April 1, 2016 |
|
Highlighting the Great Work of Our HGS Education Committees
The Houston Geological Society (HGS) is a vibrant and integral organization in our geoscience community that provides critical resources to our members through HGS technical meetings and conferences, publications, social functions, and the HGS website. As Director 2 on the HGS Board, I have been overwhelmed with the breadth and depth that HGS contributes to our geoscience community through education, networking, and support. For the last two years, I have been fortunate to work closely with seven HGS educational committees, which provide training and learning opportunities for all ages, from our young geoscientists at the K-12 level through geoscientists actively engaged in academia and industry and to our retired geoscientists that continue to contribute to advancing and transferring our scientific knowledge. (Written by Penny Patterson, HGS Director)
|
|
|
From the President - March 2016 |
March 1, 2016 |
|
In the Spirit of Society Cooperation
In a downturn such as this, it is incumbent upon the leadership of the various geoscience organizations to work together to provide ways in which the collective membership can have opportunities for expanding their career. This could be either through continuing education events, technical talks, or even sporting events. Networking and expanding one’s circle of contacts is one way of picking up leads for work or consulting.
|
|
|
From the President - February 2016 |
February 1, 2016 |
|
| Peel Some Shrimp With Your Friends!
Can’t believe it’s already 2016 as I am writing this. I don’t know where 2015 went, but I am pretty glad it’s history, as I know many of you are too.
|
|
|
From the President - January 2016 |
January 1, 2016 |
|
YOUR Time to Take Action!
I never had any intention of becoming an HGS Board member. I have always loved attending the HGS dinners and events for the camaraderie and casual networking, but to participate as a Board member? It never crossed my mind! I simply preferred to socialize, attend field trips, and surround myself with those who were much more experienced and knowledgeable than myself, hoping to learn by osmosis. (Written by Tami Shannon, HGS Editor-elect)
|
|
|
From the President - December 2015 |
December 1, 2015 |
|
Happy Holiday From Your Board!
As I am writing this, I am sitting in a software booth at the SEG Annual Convention in New Orleans. As one might expect, it is lightly attended — a sign of the times in our industry.
|
|
