In May of 2003 a small group of GIS professionals led by Sam Wear of Westchester County GIS and Larry Alber of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation met in Albany to discuss the need for creating a statewide professional organization dedicated to the GIS profession. The idea of creating an organization that was both government and industry neutral was supported by those at the meeting and a series of organizational meetings followed over the next six months.

The first major step taken by the group was to launch a survey. The survey included questions on whether GIS professionals thought a new GIS organization was necessary and the degree to which they would support it. Over 400 respondents to the survey overwhelmingly supported a statewide organization and identified continuing education and professional development as important agenda items to be taken up by a new organization. In addition to the survey, Sam Wear communicated the idea of creating a new GIS organization at various forums including a session at the 2003 NYS GIS Conference.

In November of 2003 the group took more formal steps toward organizing. The group adopted a Steering Committee to help guide the development of the group over the next two years. NYS GIS/LIS Association was selected as the official name of the organization and a Mission Statement was adopted. The group agreed to develop as a GIS organization which would be both government and industry neutral and the Association’s main focus would be professional development and continuing education.

Today, the Association is just beginning its efforts to the meet goals and mission set-forth. We have an active agenda to provide professional development opportunities in the near future but we continually need support. We have recently finalized incorporation of the association as a New York State Section 501 (c) Not-for-Profit organization. We encourage your participation in developing our Association and welcome your input.