JOIN APA Mississippi
APA MS is comprised of planners from around the state with the goal of improving the quality of life in their respective communities and advancing the profession.  Membership to the organization can be obtained in two ways--through APA National (as part of dues) or through Chapter Only Membership.  If interested in the latter option, click here to access the form.  Thank you for being a part of this great organization. 

City of Greenwood, MS Receives Award
The City of Greenwood was recently named a 2012 Healthy Hometown in the large cities category.  The winners were announced at the Mississippi Municipal League Annual Conference in Biloxi on June 27, 2012.   Greenwood will receive a $25,000 grant to continue their wellness efforts.  The grant was awarded by the Blue Cross  and Blue Shield Foundation.  This foundation established the award in 2010 to encourage communities to promote healthy lifestyles and to provide financial rewards to those who have demonstrated the most progress.  For more information about the Healthy Hometown Awards Program, visit www.healthiermississippi.org.  Also, click here for the press release regarding Greenwood's award.  

A Message from the President
As we navigate through the "Dogs Days of Summer" and endure the extreme heat and high humidity we have all come to expect and tolerate as part of our trraditional summer season, we take solace from the fact that fall, with its promise of cooler temperatures, diminished forecasts for rain, and greater opportunities to enjoy various spectator and participatory outdoor activities is not far away.  In fact, fall is the season which heralds special happenings such as the commencement of school, a new season of television programming, the beginning of an unencumbered fiscal year )hopefully with more funds than were available in previous years), and the time of year where we as a Chapter traditionally conduct our Annual Conference.  And this fall will be no different.

I am proud to announce that the Mississippi Chapter of the American Planning Association will conduct its Annual Fall Conference in the City of Meridian on Wednesday, October 24th through Friday, October 26th, 2012.  The topic for this year's Conference will be " A COLLABORATION OF DISCIPLINES WHICH FOSTER DEVELOPMENT--A SENSE OF PLACE." The conference will provide a forum for discussion and interaction among the many players who participate in the development process, thereby creating a Sense Of PLACE--Planners, Landscape Architects, Contractors, and Engineers. 

In addition to these individuals, other key players in the development process (e.g. attorneys, social agency officials, and others) will also be invited to share their expertise to make this a truly worthwile and educational event.  

I hope that all APA MS members, allied affliates, and supporters of Good Planning will take note of these important dates and will make every effort to attend this upcoming conference.  Planning is a participatory activity, fall is the perfect time of year to engage in social interaction, and Meridian is a most hospitable and exciting place to meet, greet, learn and enjoy.  Mark your calendars and make budget arrangements now to ensure your attendance in late October.  See you in Meridian!

  Ed Shambra, AICP
APA MS President