ft0403_aug1999.pdf

Fast TIMES August, 1999 Phil Sirles President, EEGS The EEGS Newsletter The Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society President’s Message In This Issue ? President’s Message ? EEGS-ES 5th Annual Meeting ? From the Editor ? Corporate Members ? EEGS Board of Directors ? Call for Nominations ? Geophysical Applications ? Student News and Views ? SAGEEP-2000 Update ? News Brief ? Announcements ? Web Highlights ? Calendar of Events ? Advertisers Index A Call to Arms Has anyone recognized that change is happening at an accelerated pace? I know in my job, family life, and here at EEGS I see it happen- ing. Should we be surprised – No! Who recalls the book Future Shock, by Alvin Toffler (1974)? The most powerful statement in his book was (to paraphrase): “…that the rate of change is going to accelerate toward the turn of the century”. A truly remarkable statement, because at the time of his book fax machines were not even in the work place, let alone pagers, cell phones, or computers and the internet! Yet, he nailed it; and, we are living it. As EEGS approaches 2000, I understand the importance of keeping up with the “accelerat- ing rate of change”. Today, numerous factors such as social, economical, and political circum- stances affect our scientific society, maybe EEGS even more than others. We are feeling the impact to the geosciences, and particularly the geophysical industry, as oil prices fluctuate, precious metal exploration is at an all time low, and government slows funding for environmen- tal site cleanup. These are changes we must adapt to as a society of professionals with common goals and vision. However, we cannot do it alone. It will take teamwork and the contributions of many members. This is my chance to speak collectively for your leaders. Among your Executive Officers and Board of Directors, there is a strong “call-to-arms”. That is, a time to empower the general membership to actively participate in the growth and development of the Society. After