Sustainable Land Development Today - January 2008 - (Page 46)
SLDI in Focus Sustainable Land Development International (SLDI) is a member-owned organization dedicated to promoting land development around the world that balances the needs of people, planet and profit – for today, and future generations. Letter from the Executive Director Dear Land Development Professional, Welcome to Sustainable Land Development International! As a land developer for over 30 years, I’m honored to represent such an important and diverse group of industry professionals and stakeholders as we navigate through some interesting and unprecedented times for the industry, and civilization itself. Throughout history, land development has been the backbone of our society and has nearly always been perceived as beneficial. Well, that’s certainly changed, especially in the last five years or so. Opposition to land development is now stronger and more organized, and the obstacles that must be overcome today are larger and more complex than ever. Further, while many stakeholders continue to adhere to a single-minded pursuit of economic gain, others grasp an equally obsessive pursuit of environmental stewardship. Others still, would have the industry focus strictly on societal impacts. The overall results of these uncoordinated and divergent pursuits are generally disappointing, and yet are playing out before our eyes. Perhaps not surprisingly, public awareness and perception that the industry is not adequately delivering a balanced approach to economic, social and environmental concerns has led to strong opposition to land development, with seemingly little resolution in sight. SLDI’s organizational function is to respond to the need of our industry and society for a holistic, triple-bottom-line perspective that balances the needs of all the various stakeholders, including the public. By convening the interests of multiple stakeholders within one sphere, with the risk-taking, team-building developer at the center, SLDI embodies the model – the only comprehensive model – that is fundamentally equipped to help carry the whole industry, and society, forward in a sustainable way. Whether you are a land developer, builder, civil engineer, banker, landscape architect, land planner, architect, arborist, construction contractor, real estate broker, attorney, financial consultant, investor, government representative, educator, student, product/service provider, or other stakeholder in land development, SLDI provides you with the opportunity to position yourself at the forefront of the industry as it transitions for a more sustainable future. SLDI is dedicated to helping you differentiate your efforts from others in the industry, while connecting you with like-minded leaders and organizations that will help you effectively move the quality of your work, and that of the industry, boldly forward towards a sustainable future. Rest assured, there’s much more to come. Your participation and comments are welcome. Terry Mock Executive Director Sustainable Land Development International TMock@SLDI.org www.SLDI.org 46 January 2008 Sustainable Land Development Today
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