MSS Strategic Plan 

Adopted July 26, 2016

Mission

 

To advance the land surveying profession in Maryland through education, advocacy, and outreach.

 

Vision

 

To be an exemplary leader in preserving and promoting the profession of land surveying in the State of Maryland.

 

Purpose

 

1. Further the scope of practice and professional standing of surveyors.
2. Return value to the membership and strengthen the organization.
3. Provide quality educational opportunities for current and future land surveyors and technicians
4. Promote professionalism and the values of the society, and strengthen MSS as the voice of the profession in Maryland
5. Advance and promote the status, role and image of the land surveyor
6. Provide a platform for networking among members, as well as partnerships with stakeholders and target audiences
7. Shape the future of the profession

 

Goal 1: Enhance the professional image of surveyors in Maryland

 

Objective A: Engage client and stakeholder groups to increase their appreciation for the value of surveying services

• Develop  a communications program to promote surveying news, information, awareness and relationships (through news releases, articles in client publications, emails, social media, speakers bureau and other means) with key constituencies (developers, government, attorneys, A/E firms, insurance, land and homeowners, title companies, construction firms, utilities, agriculture, energy, other (non-surveying) geospatial/GIS discipline professionals, and MSGIC) to articulate a positive identity for surveyors and promote the value of surveying to target client and stakeholder groups
• Advocate for the surveying profession and its data, services, technologies and applications as the foundation for broader economic and business growth and functions, as well as for government activities and efficiency

Objective B: Implement a program of “branding” of surveying as a profession

• Improve the self esteem and perceived professional worth of surveyors
• Support legislative and government affairs initiatives that classify surveying as a “profession” rather than as a “trade”
• Promote surveying as a modern, state-of-the-art, tech-savvy profession, emphasizing new technologies and applications (e.g. LiDAR, asset management, scanning, BIM, UAV, etc.)
• Provide educational opportunities to members on presentation skills, writing, “dress for success,” public speaking, business practices, etc.

 

Goal 2: Strengthen MSS as a voice of the profession in Maryland and improve its value to the members

 

Objective A: Enhance MSS as the voice of the profession in Maryland

• Expand public relations and communications with outside audiences
• Strengthen the government relations program
• Establish liaisons and communications with allied and client organizations
• Articulate the value of surveying to other businesses, industries, professions, the State’s economy, and the quality of life

Objective B: Strengthen continuing education programs to meet member needs

• Utilize in-house and contract providers to develop webinars
• Evaluate current continuing education programs and position MSS as the premier source of continuing education in Maryland
• Utilize expertise among faculty of Maryland colleges and universities in programs allied to surveying
• Improve website to include timely information and resources
• Assist members in private practice with business management improvement

o   Focus continuing education programs on business management and skills (finance, accounting, marketing, public relations, human resources, public speaking, communications, presentation skills) 

o   Focus continuing education on new markets, technologies & applications

 

Objective C: Recruit all geospatial professionals in Maryland

• Actively seek all qualified surveyors for MSS membership

o   Design and implement a membership development program

o   Review and enhance benefits programs

• Embrace individuals in the broader surveying and geospatial community who practice in related disciplines, such as photogrammetrists and others in activities not requiring a license
• Establish interest groups within MSS to meet their particular needs, such as sole proprietors, A/E firm personnel, small businesses, owners, field personnel, technicians, etc.
• Promote surveying and MSS among students in related geospatial programs at Maryland’s colleges and universities
• Strive for greater diversity in the membership among traditionally under-represented populations

Objective D: Review MSS to assure its value and responsiveness to members

• Expand benefits and programs beyond an emphasis on continuing education programs
• Evaluate structure, governance, membership categories, chapters, staff, programs, volunteer opportunities, bylaws, and conferences
• Periodically poll members through on-line questionnaires
• Actively recruit and train/mentor “new blood” into positions of leadership
• Review and improve web presence

o   Content

o   Educate members on use of the website

o   Improve e-marketing, e-newsletters

• Improve existing communications vehicles and establish new media and means of communication among members
• Provide social media training for members
• Implement new logo
• Strengthen, expand and promote membership programs, such as insurance, education, etc.
• Promote membership and networking in MSS as a business development benefit through referrals, prime-subcontractor relationships, and “competimates” (fellow surveyors who can be both competitors and project team mates)

Objective E: Increase awareness of the surveying profession and MSS through the use of traditional and social media

• Increase the frequency of news releases
• Strengthen relationships with client group publications
• Implement use of video, webinars, tele-town halls, and other media

Objective F: Enhance chapters through regular meetings and activities

• Improve communication and coordination between MSS and chapters
• Assist chapters with speakers and programs
• Engage chapters in MSS activities held throughout the state

 

Goal 3: Attract more young people to surveying and MSS

 

Objective A: Develop the next generation workforce

• Work with NSPS on implementation of a workforce development program
• Pursue a 4-year degree requirement as a pre-requisite for licensure as a surveyor in Maryland
• Explore the creation of a 4-year degree program in surveying in a Maryland college or university
• Promote surveying as a modern profession to students at K-12 and community college levels, as well as students in allied geospatial majors in 4-year degree programs in Maryland colleges and universities
• Inform and educate guidance and career counselors in high schools and community colleges
• Improve, grow and better promote scholarship programs
• Implement the CST program and provide education and training for technicians and pre-professionals
• Welcome and recognize newly licensed surveyors
• Improve coordination with and integration of MSSET goals and activities with MSS

Objective B: Promote surveying to younger Marylanders

• Evaluate the Trig-Star program as a means of introducing surveying to students
• Encourage and assist members with scouting merit badge and other youth activities
• Communicate a new image of surveying as including but not limited to the following as an emphasis rather than history and tradition:

o   attractive and fun

o   personally rewarding and fulfilling

o   financially lucrative

o   forward-looking profession that uses technology, history, law, and mathematics for problem solving

o   professional

o   altruistic (contributing societal benefits such as environmental protection, economic growth, preservation of property rights, collection of data for good decision-making, protecting public health, welfare and safety, foundation for engineering, infrastructure and construction) 

 

Objective C: Promote MSS to younger Maryland surveyors

•  Improve and promote the mentor program
•  Actively encourage membership and active participation by younger members

o   Explore expanding Associate membership

•  Promote and grow the Young Surveyors Network chapter
•  Develop a leadership development program to train future leaders of MSS

 

Goal 4: Expand and strengthen government affairs efforts

 

Objective A: Promote legislation and government programs that maximize the utilization of surveying and geospatial data, services, and technology to solve State, and local problems; protect public health, welfare and safety; and enhance the well-being of surveyors

• Improve MSS presence in the General Assembly
• Monitor regulatory and legislative issues that affect the scope of practice of land surveyingIdentify legislation that is needed and will stimulate member engagement and participation

• 4-year degree

o   Right of Entry

o   QBS for surveying

o   Mechanics Lien

o   3-108 Monumentation

o   Subdivision

o   NAVD 2022

• Participate in the Maryland Council of Design Professionals (MCDP) to monitor ongoing activities of other design professional organizations
• Educate members on engaging with legislators

o   “Day on the Hill” in Annapolis

o   Increase invitation to legislators to speak at MSS events

o   Training on meetings, letter-writing, other grass roots lobbying and communications

 

Objective B: Strengthen the government affairs program to be more effective and provide greater value and benefit to the membership

• Communicate the value of government affairs to the members
• Strengthen the PAC and educate members on the importance of getting more politically involved

Objective C: Assure MSS’s role as the voice of surveying among governmental bodies

• Establish MSS as a source of candidates for offices such as the surveying board in DLLR and the iMAP Executive Committee

Goal 5: Improve the organizational management of MSS

Objective A:  Regularly review and improve the operations of MSS

• Regularly review and update Operations Manual

o   Create succession plans for key leadership positions, staff, consultants

o   Review the operations and meetings of the Board of Directors and Committees to ensure effectiveness

§  Enhance the utilization of technology in Board and Committee meetings

• Create a long term strategy to build cash reserves and assure the financial viability of the society
• Establish a permanent strategic planning process

o   Develop a process for implementation, including assignment of responsibilities to appropriate bodies within MSS and target completion dates

Objective B: Review MSS to assure its value and responsiveness to members

• Expand benefits and programs beyond an emphasis on continuing professional competency (CPC) programs
• Evaluate structure, governance, membership categories, chapters, staff, programs, volunteer opportunities, bylaws, and conferences
• Periodically poll members (prospects, non-members and former members) through on-line questionnaires
• Actively recruit and train/mentor “new blood” into positions of leadership
• Review and improve web presence

o   Content

o   Educate members on use of the website

o   Improve e-marketing, e-newsletters

• Improve existing communications vehicles and establish new media and means of communication among members
• Provide social media training for members
• Make it FUN to participate in MSS!