Děkuji, Dziękuję, Thank You! Another WLIA President’s Message
Děkuji, Dziękuję, Thank You!: Another WLIA President’s Message
Looking into Slovensko (Slovakia) from Tatrzański Park Narodowy, Polska (Tatra National Park, Poland)
I said I would try to share monthly messages last time I wrote here. Then I took the “making space to love life” section of that essay very seriously, and two months disappeared! However, the Wisconsin geospatial community is incredible, and I have cool updates and accomplishments to share!
Karlův most, Praha, Česká republika (Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic)
“Děkuji!” (“Thank you!” in Czech) – To Our Sponsors!
WLIA has nearly thirty organizations that provide financial support for our conferences and day-to-day operations! Their presence fills our annual conference exhibit hall with valuable professional services and adds to the educational and fun factors at our events.
We recently asked our sponsors to provide updates to their services for our Sponsors webpage. While every sponsor continues to offer products and services to WLIA members, I’m glad to share that four of them Schneider Geospatial, GeoComm, Panda Consulting, and DATAMARK Technologies all provided updates for you to "Czech" out! Check-out Our Sponsors!
Krakowski Południk Zerowy, Zakopane, Polska (Krakow’s Zero Meridian, Zakopane, Poland)
“Dziękuję!” (“Thank you!” in Polish) – To Our Special Event Teams!
We successfully hosted three special events this year! Our Education Committee hosts two regional conferences annually, with additional volunteers arranging the Summer Virtual Workshops.
This year, 198 people signed up for our regional conferences and virtual workshops! From aerial adventures at the Marshfield Airport to Driftless discoveries in La Crosse, WLIA members and guests picked up new ideas from a wide range of topics. Thank you to all attendees, presenters, and volunteers for your contributions to each event. A special thank you goes to the event chairs sharing your creativity, vision, and leadership skills to make everything happen!
- Spring Regional Conference: Maggie Bennett and Tyler DeBruin
- Summer Virtual Workshops: Jennifer Borlick and Kim Christman
- Fall Regional Conference: Doug Avoles and Staci Hoffman
Rynek Główny z Kościół Mariacki, Kraków, Polska (Main Square with St. Mary’s Basilica, Kraków, Poland)
Thank You! – To All Of Y’all Who Make This Possible!
In mid-September I took a new risk, or perhaps a leap, by way of a trip to Prague and Poland. Many of you know I love to travel, but I’ve also kept a transatlantic adventure largely “off limits” for personal and arguably self-imposed reasons. Further, I ventured primarily as a solo traveler to a pair of Slavic countries with minimal Slavic language skills; what could possibly go wrong?
However, a little adaptability, some openness, and a lot of great people made my adventure a great one! Packed with a vague vision of what I wanted to do, I let the places, weather, people, food (of course!), and the spirit of the moment help guide my steps. Like putting on the WLIA Annual Conference or leading a committee, the surrounding positive influences came together to make an unforgettable experience. This time I received rewards through terrific dumplings, magnificent churches and mountains, and being rescued from an awkward credit card transaction with a French nun (I learned some basic Czech and Polish as I traveled, but not French!)!
What does this have to do with thanking anyone? Well for one, there’s no way I could have snuck-off to Europe this year without an incredible team of WLIA folks running working groups and moving projects forward. I’m glad I don’t have to do it all! Further, this trip reminds me of all the talents, experiences, and insights that you contribute to the Wisconsin geospatial community. I’m grateful for everything you give and think you all deserve opportunities to share your gifts and stories. Our Annual Conference Call for Content and nominations for our Board of Directors are both open, and I would love for you to consider getting involved with them!
Most importantly here, I hope you recognize the value in what you offer to your communities and colleagues and can grow through what you are doing and are passionate about!
Reach out anytime (I won’t be in Europe anytime soon) and stay great!
Colter 
Colter J. Sikora
President, Wisconsin Land Information Association
A useful map with a questionable projection, but recently updated to include two Wisconsin kolache sources (Kolacherie Celetná, Praha, Česká republika)!