THE PUNCHLIST 

CSI ROCHESTER CHAPTER NEWSLETTER JANUARY | 2016
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The Rochester Chapter of CSI is pleased to bring you the January edition of its monthly newsletter, The Punchlist. We hope you enjoy it! 

As always, we appreciate your feedback regarding our newsletter.  Also, if you have any suggestions for educational sessions and programs that you would like to see - feel free to tell us! 

We look forward to seeing you at all of our upcoming events!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year!
January's Featured Event

January 11, 2017:
"Downtown Developments and the Inner Loop" - Presented by Donald P. Naetzker, RLA

Oak Hill Country Club
145 Kilbourn Drive
Rochester, NY 14618
5:30PM Cocktails | 6:00PM Dinner | Presentation will follow

Join us tomorrow evening for an informational presentation with Donald Naetzker, RLA, Planning Manager with SWBR Architects.  on will be discussing the Inner Loop and other downtown developments around the Rochester area. 

This presentation qualifies for AIA Learning Unit Credits.  CSI Members are free to attend. Guest registration is available for only $50.

or contact Paige during normal business hours at 585.727.1010
A Message from the President
Ken Christiano, CSI
 
Dear CSI Members and friends,
 
With the holiday season now behind us we can now all look forward to an interesting list of events from our local CSI Chapter to get us through the rest of the winter months. This month's program meeting brings us back to Oak Hill Country Club where we'll be offering a presentation by Donald Naetzker II, RLA, Planning Manager at SWBR Architects.  Don will be updating us on the planning phases of the Inner Loop and other important downtown development projects. As Planning Manager, Mr. Naetzker has been heavily involved in the planning of some our City's most promising areas. This program is not to be missed. Please contact Paige Holenbeck for reservations and additional information.
 
In an effort to better serve our membership, I have a favor to ask.  We recently held our (December) Holiday meeting at City Grille in downtown Rochester where we had an incredible presentation featuring a lively discussion on the "Economic Development in the Rochester Region", and although the turnout was quite good, we had several no-shows without notification. Although this is completely understandable when unexpected events presents themselves, but what we're seeing most recently is that attendance to some is a game-time decision. Last month's financial loss to the Chapter due to unfilled reservations cost over $400. This unfortunate situation that can easily be corrected with a little consideration. I ask that future reservation cancelations be made no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled program or event. Please contact Paige Holenbeck should there be a need to cancel. Thanks for your understanding.

See you soon ,

Ken Christiano, CSI
Hackers ramp up computer attacks that demand 'ransom'
Local Rochester firms among those targeted


On a bitter cold day in December, an ominous warning popped on a computer screen at Mossien Architects.  The warning - next to a ticking countdown clock - threatened to destroy all data on the computer if the firm refused to pay a $10,000 ransom to an address in London.  If the transaction was not concluded within 60 hours, the price would double.  Mossien's local IT department quickly realized this was one of the worst computer attacks he had seen. This computer malware will freeze access to every file, including photos, documents and programs with a secret pass key known only to the hacker. 

Once a ransomware virus invades an unprotected computer, it worms through the files and then codes them with a complicated encryption so the owner can no longer access his or her data without a key to unlock the code. Then a pop-up screen appears with detailed instructions about how to pay the ransom and obtain the code to unlock the computer.

Solution: None.

Hackers operating on the Internet's "Dark Web" are spreading a new, more sophisticated generation of the malicious software known as "ransomware," anonymously shaking down anyone with an unprotected computer, from Architecture firms, law enforcement offices, to larger businesses.  LECESSE Construction was the victim of a similar attack back in October, causing a delay in computer operation for almost a week. 

Some victims get lost in the cumbersome details of the ransom payment process and run out of time, leaving their computers locked forever. Others pay right away and have their computers unlocked. Still others pay up, only to have the hackers run off with the money - and with the secret key.

The attacks are frustrating both computer experts, who can't defeat the virus once it infiltrates a computer, and law enforcement agents, who have busted few of the underground rings that specialize in these attacks.

Most computer security software can identify and block suspicious emails but the anti-virus patches must be scrupulously updated.  Experts recommends what he calls a 3-2-1 strategy. Keep three copies of your data in two different media types and in one physically separate location.

"Thank God I had back-up dates in a fire vault at home, but things like personal notes, files and favorite web sites cannot be replaced," Dan Mossien said. 


CSI Rochester looking for Committee Members for Annual Awards Dinner 

 

CSI Rochester is currently forming its Awards Committee. 

 

Get in on the fun, and spend other people's money as you decide on free drink tickets. 

 

If you are available to volunteer with this year's Annual Awards Dinner planning committee, contact Bill DeVos at [email protected], or call Bill at 585.435.0364 by January 13th.



SAVE THE DATE:

2017 ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

APRIL 22ND (tentative) 

 
SAVE THE DATE!

* * 2017 CSI NIGHT * *

 

Wednesday, November 8th

 

Information will be coming soon regarding vendor and attendee registration. 

 

                          Stay tuned!  

CSI Rochester Produces Record Breaking Numbers at their 44th Annual Product Show
With a unique forward-thinking educational program and strategic partnerships with industry professionals, this event debuts the most innovative trends in the construction industry.
 
From national and regional manufacturers and distributers, to architects, engineers, students, interior designers, and building owners, over 250 industry professionals, gathered at the Doubletree on Jefferson Road to learn about new products from over 125 exhibiting companies, and network with members of the construction industry at CSI Rochester's Annual CSI Night Product Show.
For almost a half-century, CSI night has been our region's premier product show and networking event. CSI Night is the only way to reach hundreds of the area's construction industry decision makers at one time. 
Job Corner
 
Check out these great job positions available in our community!
 
LECESSE Construction is hiring! 
  • Senior Superintendent
  • Project Manager
  • Team Leader for Rochester, NY
To apply for these positions, please contact Erin Shannon, or check out www.lecesseconstruction.com for more information!

Membership Corner

Still thinking of joining? What are you waiting for? 

Here's a quick list of just some of the benefits CSI Members receive:
  • Develop valuable cross-discipline contacts at local chapter meetings and national CSI events.
  • Build a network of mentors you can contact when you're facing a new challenge at work, or hunting for a new job.
  • Save with members-only discounts and special rates on CSI education, certification, publications and  partner programs.
  • Learn to use CSI's standards and formats to do your job better and faster.
  • Earn continuing education credits at chapter meetings and CSI events.
  • Stay current on BIM, sustainability and other hot topics while improving your skills through chapter meetings, CSI's education programs, and Construction Specifier Magazine.
  • Raise your profile with CSI's certifications after your name.
  • Participate in the development of standards and formats that shape your work, such as MasterFormat.
  • Meet potential clients and increase your company's visibility at both the local and national level.
  • Be among the first to hear about new projects in your area.
  • Develop a network of professional contacts your company can turn to when you need help and information.
  • And so much more!

"CSI has helped me in many aspects of running my business such as planning, communication skills, and honing my product presentations. Many of the committees, task teams, and projects that new members get involved in can provide training in many of these areas."
 
- John Hamilton, CSI, CCPR, AHC, Manufacturer's Representative


"I have grown as a person with an established reputation through my CSI activities."
 
- Bob Molseed, FCSI, CCS, FAIA, Architect

  

Contact Paul Mahoney, Member Chair today to find out more!
Dear Punchlist readers,

If you have any job openings, industry or company news, promotions, or events that you would like featured in upcoming publications of The Punchlist newsletter, please send them to us.

Also, feel free to forward this email to colleagues or coworkers that may be interested in CSI events and articles.