All successful land development professionals know a thing or two about overcoming challenges. No project is without them. Perhaps two of the most important factors to successfully navigating today’s more complex environment are 1) preparedness and 2) public relations. The Land Development Breakthroughs Conference is all about helping with both of these.

The insert provided in this month’s issue lists all the educational sessions that have been specifically selected to explore and present industry best practices. Designed to help you address many of the most important issues you face, sessions on important topics such as finance, government regulations, taxes, cash flow, leadership, technology, stormwater management, subdivision layout and design, and much more will be presented. We won’t rehash them here, but be sure to check out all the sessions listed in the insert. You’ll find them valuable.

In addition to the educational program, two new programs are being unveiled at July’s event that offer attendees significant benefits, and warrant more detailed explanation.

Assessing the Industry Perception
In recent years, the climate for land development has become increasingly confrontational and difficult. Increasing population density, decreasing available land, escalating regulations, and rising competition are causing battle lines to be drawn in numerous wars over how real estate is developed.

Unfortunately, in today’s environment, development is no longer synonymous with progress, and many loudly proclaim that growth is not good for our society. In fact, the public image of the industry is increasingly bashed, which compounds the difficulty of your efforts.

However, it is important to note that land development professionals take part in a noble profession. They take on significant risk to improve the quality of life for all of us. The work creates jobs, pays taxes, develops the economy, and serves the American dream, but credit for all of the positive aspects of development escapes us all.

“No sprawl.”

“Too much traffic.”

“Save the environment.”

“You’ll ruin our property values.”

“Not in my backyard!”

You’ve heard them all, and you’ve overcome some of them – some of the time. Opponents are becoming more involved, and they’re getting more sophisticated in their opposition. You should too.

The truth is, so many great things happen in our industry, yet most of them go relatively unrecognized by others in the industry and the public. Not only is this a disservice to the visionaries in our industry, it is bad for business. As a whole, we’re losing the public relations game by not publicizing the great things we are accomplishing.

Land Development Visionary Award
The Land Development Visionary Award is designed to help recognize the greatness that happens in the industry. Projects with extraordinary creativity, proactivity, and responsibility are occurring all over the country, and we want the world learn more about them.

“The Land Development Visionary Award program recognizes the creativity, vision, and the implementation of best practices in land development,” said Tony Wernke, President of Futurus Communications, Inc., the producer of Land Development Breakthroughs Conference. “It provides the opportunity for industry leaders to distinguish themselves by being honored for their unique successes. And it provides the opportunity for participants to become more exposed to today’s best practices for land development success.”

How Will Projects be Judged?
The award recognizes not only the planning and design of projects, but also focuses on the complete development process. Criteria for the award include effective leadership, team building, public relations successes, sustainable principles, contribution to the community, innovative application of solutions, and financial success, along with the uniqueness and beauty of the project..

Does a project you’ve worked on recently reflect a positive vision for the future, one that demonstrates a commitment to financial, ecological and social success? Submit it. Become a finalist. Win the award. You not only can earn national recognition for your company and a powerful marketing tool, but you will help the entire industry improve its public image at the same time.

There is no cost to submit a project. The only real requirement is that projects be substantially completed. For more information, contact Tony Wernke at 563-773-3123 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Plan Review Workshops
Another program being introduced in Chicago is the Plan Review Workshop. At the inaugural Breakthroughs event in DC last December, numerous attendees asked about the availability of specific presenters and other industry experts to discuss their specific project issues, a valuable opportunity indeed.

Conference registrants will be afforded the significant opportunity to bring their specific project visions, plans, results and needs; literally lay them on the table and receive free expert advice from leading industry consultants who offer practical and innovative solutions for your specific project(s). Some of the leading experts in wastewater solutions, stormwater management, landscape architecture, subdivision design, land planning, and other areas will be available to discuss your projects in a one-on-one or one-on-some environment.

See you in Chicago! SLDT