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The next GBA Knowledge Sharing Webinar is on July 31 at 2 p.m. ET. The GBA Knowledge Sharing Webinar events are a series of free online learning opportunities for GBA members that directly connect them with our industry partners who are creating impactful technology to elevate the geoprofessions.

This webinar will explore innovative advancements in site investigation technologies that are set to propel the geoprofessional industry into the future. ConeTec Geotechnical Research Engineer Joseph Bindner, Ph.D., P.E. and Director of Business Development Kelly Cabal will introduce three cutting-edge tools: the Thermal Probe, the Vision Cone, and Magnetic Resonance technology.

Participants will also hear about the industry shift towards cleaner energy and robotics in site investigation practices. These technologies aim to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and sustainability of site investigations.

Join GBA and ConeTec on July 31 to learn how these advancements can address current challenges and drive the industry forward, while also discussing the broader trends towards hybrid and automated equipment for a cleaner and safer future.

July 31 Webinar Speakers:

Joseph Bindner, Ph.D., P.E. Geotechnical Research Engineer, ConeTec
Joe is a geotechnical engineer, graduating with his B.S. in geological engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. He holds a M.S. and Ph.D. from Colorado State university where his research focused on soil mechanics, hyperspectral sensing, and machine learning. Joe has a background in geotechnical site investigation and currently works as a Geotechnical Research Engineer at ConeTec where he supports the development and commercialization of cutting-edge site investigation techniques and technologies.

Kelly Cabal – Director of Business Development, ConeTec
Kelly serves as Director of Business Development for ConeTec in the United States. She is a graduate of the University of Alberta with a degree in Engineering Physics. She has over 20 years of experience in site investigation and Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) and enjoys sharing her knowledge through education. She has served as the Executive Director for the California Geotechnical Engineers Association (CalGeo) and is currently on the board of the Los Angeles Chapter of the ASCE GeoInstitute.

More Upcoming Events in the GBA Knowledge Sharing Webinar Series:
• August 28 – Understanding Ground Risk: It All Starts with the Data, presented by Bentley Systems
• September 25 – Topic TBD presented by Agile Frameworks

The Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) is proud to release its Annual Report for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, a comprehensive summary of the Association’s progress, impact, and direction. Developed for the Board of Directors and Member Firms, the report reflects GBA’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement across all areas of the organization.

This year’s report details a strong year of member engagement, resource development, and strategic progress:

Membership & Engagement: GBA now represents over 165 Member Firms and 59 Associate Members, with six new firms joining the Association this year. Committee involvement continues to grow, with 95 active members participating in 108 meetings and driving 23 initiatives to completion.

Publications & Multimedia: GBA released 11 new publications, 21 podcast episodes, and 29 videos. Collectively, these resources received over 11,000 views, listens, and downloads—underscoring GBA’s role as a go-to source for industry insights and professional development.

Events & Community: From the Fall Leadership Summit to the 2025 Annual Conference, GBA brought together record numbers of participants and sponsors. These events served as platforms for knowledge sharing, peer recognition, and collaboration among geoprofessionals nationwide.

Strategic Milestones: In addition to welcoming new Peer Groups and launching the GBA Book Club, the Association introduced the 2027+ Strategic Plan, executed the Crystal Ball Workshop, and enhanced member experience with a new online platform.

The Annual Report also highlights GBA’s solid financial position to support the Association’s long-term sustainability and growth.

The report includes GBA’s plans for FY2025-2026, which are the launch of a new Emerging Leaders Program, expanding staff resources, delivering additional Career Continuum courses, and continuing to provide best-in-class resources for geoprofessionals.

The official rules of Geoprofessional Business Association’s 2025 Digital Photo Contest.

Eligibility

The Digital Photo Contest (“Photo Contest”) is open only to employees of GBA Member-Firms.

The Photo Contest is sponsored by:
Geoprofessional Business Association             
401 N. Washington St., Suite 600
Rockville, MD 20850

Entry Period

The Photo Contest begins at 12:00am EST on July 1, 2025 and ends at 11:59pm EST on August 31, 2025 (the “Entry Period”). Entries submitted before or after the Entry Period will not be eligible. GBA’s computer is the official time-keeping device for the Photo Contest.

What to Enter

GBA is committed to promoting the value of geoprofessionals and we want to see it through your eyes. For our 2025 Photo Contest, we’re asking you to submit photos and videos that capture Geoprofessional Vibrancy, Impact, and Professionalism. This theme reflects GBA’s strategic emphasis on showcasing the energy, influence, and integrity of the geoprofessional field. We want to see how you visualize the dynamic work, meaningful outcomes, and high standards that define your team and projects.

To ensure eligibility for the contest, please submit files no larger than 4MB at the time of entry. Higher resolution files may be requested should an entry be preselected to be awarded a prize or an honorable mention. Videos may be submitted via link from a file-sharing or video-hosting platform (e.g., Vimeo, Dropbox, Google Drive) with downloads enabled. All photos and videos should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared. Entries that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization (removal of dust, cropping, reasonable adjustments to exposure, color and contrast, etc.) will be disqualified.

Entries may originate in any format — including, but not limited to digital files, digital prints, color transparencies, color prints, or black and white prints — so long as they are submitted electronically in a .JPEG .jpg, or.png form. Multiple exposures that have been combined to produce a single “High Dynamic Range” image are acceptable. Video entries should be submitted as downloadable links to files in a common video format (e.g., .MP4, .MOV).

Entries should include metadata if possible. Submit the following information with your entry:
• Name of photographer (if different than the person submitting)
• Email address of photographer (if different than the person submitting)
• Category for Which This Photo is Submitted
• Name of location (ex: Bedford Town Hall – Construction Phase 2)
• City
• State/Province
• Country
• Detailed caption of subject matter

Previously published material for which non-exclusive rights were granted may be entered as long as you still maintain the right to grant us a license (see “Your Rights” below). You must be able to disclose when and where the photo appeared previously to Geoprofessional Business Association upon request.

If you choose to include people in your submission, you are responsible for obtaining the necessary releases from the individuals depicted and must be able to provide copies of those releases to Geoprofessional Business Association upon request.

The following submissions are ineligible:
• Photos or videos that include logos or branded material.
• Images that exhibit unsafe work practices.
• Photos or videos that violate or infringe upon another person’s rights, including but not limited to copyright.
• Photos or videos that contain objectionable or inappropriate content.
• Images or videos that involve damage to the environment by the photographer.
• Images or videos taken more than three years prior to the beginning date of the Contest (July 1, 2025).

Geoprofessional Business Association shall determine entry eligibility in its sole and absolute discretion.

How to Enter

All images must be submitted via email to info@geoprofessional.org, with the subject line “2025 Photo Contest Submittal” and include in the e-mail all required fields, including name, email, and other information about your photo submission. Digital entries that are sent via mail will not be accepted.

You may enter one submission for each category, but you may not use an agency or automated system to enter. GBA reserves the right to reject any additional entries or entries that do not comply with these Official Rules. By entering, you indicate your unconditional agreement to, and acceptance of, these Official Rules and GBA’s decisions, which are final and binding. You cannot win a prize unless you comply with all requirements in these Official Rules.

Entrants may be asked to supplement their submission (such as with a paragraph about their photo or the highest resolution version of their photo) anytime on or after September 1, 2025.

Judging

Entries will be judged on originality, composition, artistic merit, technical excellence, relevance to category and theme, storytelling and emotional impact, and demonstration of GBA values. Judging will be conducted by a panel of GBA employees and a group of guest judges to be selected by GBA at its sole discretion (the “Panel”). The Panel will evaluate all valid entries and pick the following winners in the following categories:

1. Overall (3 winners. 1 first prize, 1 runner-up, 1 second runner-up): You’ve nailed it. Your entries rise above the rest and encapsulate the geoprofessional        vibrancy, impact, and professionalism in a stunning way.

2. Categories:
a. Vibrancy in Action (1 winner) – Capture the energy, teamwork, or excitement of daily geoprofessional life.

b. Impact in the Field (1 winner) – Show how your work positively influences people (quality of life, public safety), infrastructure, or the environment.

c. Professionalism (1 winner) – Spotlight safety, quality, leadership, or technical excellence in geoprofessional practice. Feature client or team                                engagement that advances project success through collaboration and communication.

d. Creative Composition (1 winner) – Share a striking, well-composed photo that artfully represents the geoprofessional world.

e. Video (1 winner) – Submit a short video clip (up to 30 seconds) that brings the contest theme to life. Videos may feature field footage, drone clips, lab            scenes, or visual storytelling that highlights the value of geoprofessionals.

All winners and honorable mentions will be notified of their status within 14 days of September 1, 2025 and will appear on the www.geoprofessional.org website. All winners will also be showcased at an upcoming GBA event.

All judging decisions are final. Please do not contact us about the status of entries or judging.

GBA will notify the winner via the contact information provided at the time of entry.

Potential Winner Requirements

Must be employed by a GBA Member-Firm throughout the duration of the contest.

Prizes

GBA will award the following prizes.

One (1) Overall grand prize winner will receive:
• A $100 Gift Card
• A photo mention in GBA’s NEWSlog
• Recognition at an upcoming GBA event.
• Winners Plaque
• Mention on GBA’s digital presences

One (1) Overall runner-up winner will receive:
• A $50 gift card
• A photo mention in GBA’s NEWSlog
• Runner-up Plaque
• Recognition at an upcoming GBA event
• Mention on GBA’s digital presences

One (1) Overall second runner-up winner will receive:
• A $50 gift card
• A photo mention in GBA’s NEWSlog
• Runner-up Certificate
• Recognition at an upcoming GBA event
• Mention on GBA’s digital presences

Five (5) Category Winners will receive:
• Recognition at an upcoming GBA event
• Category Winner Certificate
• Mention on GBA’s digital presences

Prizes will only be shipped to addresses in North America.

All winners are responsible for paying any income taxes and any and all other costs and expenses not listed above. Any prize details not specified above will be determined by GBA, in its sole discretion. A prize may not be transferred and must be accepted as awarded.

Questions

Questions and inquiries about contest rules can be emailed to info@geoprofessional.org.

Your Rights

Your photos and videos help GBA highlight the value of geoprofessionals to our communities and to our world. Thank you for helping to further our mission.

GBA will retain all rights to any photograph or video you submit — including ownership.

If you submit a photo or video to the Photo Contest, you grant the Geoprofessional Business Association a royalty-free, nonexclusive right to:
• Display the photo or video on the Photo Contest submission website, the GBA website (www.geoprofessional.org), and on all GBA media outlets.
• Allow third parties to share the photo on the following social media platforms: LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

Upon submission of your photo or video, you grant the Geoprofessional Business Association a royalty-free, nonexclusive right, in perpetuity, to:
• Use the photo or video on the internet and social media in support of our mission and strategic direction.
• Use the photo or video in GBA’s internal and external communications materials including but not limited to websites and web publications, fact sheets, fundraising publications, advertising, multimedia, presentation and membership services, and annual report.
• Provide your photo or video to other individuals and organizations for conservancy-related use in news stories, newsletters, reports, slide shows, displays, webpages, videos, membership premiums, and the like.
• Use, in connection with the Photo Contest, your name, city, state, and country of residence in promotions and other publications.
• Retain a digital copy of your photo or video that will be archived in the GBA multimedia library and accessible to GBA staff via GBA internal online multimedia archive.

General Conditions

In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Photo Contest is impaired in any way, GBA may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Photo Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Photo Contest; or (b) award the prize(s) from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. GBA reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify and seek damages from any individual who tampers with the operation of the Photo Contest, violates these Official Rules, or acts in a disruptive or unsportsmanlike manner. GBA’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. Proof of sending any communication to GBA by mail shall not be deemed proof of receipt of that communication by GBA. In the event of a dispute as to the owner of an online entry, the authorized account holder of the e-mail address used to enter will be deemed to be the owner. The Photo Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited.

Release and Limitations of Liability

By entering, you agree to release and hold harmless GBA, officers, directors, employees, and agents (the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Photo Contest or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Photo Contest; (b) technical errors; (c) printing errors; (d) late or undelivered mail; (e) errors in the administration of the Photo Contest; or (f) injury or damage to persons or property. You waive the right to claim any attorney’s fees and any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

Privacy and Publicity

Any information you submit as part of the Photo Contest will be used in accordance with GBA’s Privacy Policy. The information you provide when you enter is provided to GBA. Except where prohibited, you consent to GBA’s use of your name in any list of winners (if applicable) and for promotional purposes in any media without further payment or consideration.

Disputes

You agree that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Photo Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in Maryland. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Official Rules, your rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of GBA in connection with the Photo Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Maryland, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of Maryland any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Maryland.

Questions

Questions and inquiries about contest rules can be emailed to info@geoprofessional.org.

June marks National Safety Month, organized by the National Safety Council since 1996. GBA has a variety of free resources for members to help them stay safe in their geoprofessional workplace. Not only is safety a top priority for GBA member firms, but also for their clients, who want to avoid work-related injuries or illnesses on their job sites and projects.

Here are valuable resources geoprofessionals can use to strengthen their safety culture, protect their teams, and manage risk:

Safety and Your Geoprofessional Practice
This GBA Best Practices guide provides important information essential to the development of an effective safety program, including:
• The direct and indirect costs of an inadequate safety program, ranging from higher insurance premiums and legal exposures to lost business and lower productivity.
• Key safety metrics
• An array of techniques for developing a “robust, proactive safety program that seeks to eliminate hazards and prevent injuries.”

Establishing a Cell-Phone Safety Policy for Your Firm
Cell phone safety policies can stave off the grave financial consequences of failing to pursue preventatives to cell phone-related incidents. This document cites an array of case histories (some of which occurred because employers assumed hands-free devices are safe) and outlines:
• Cell phone safety policies and techniques for implementing them
• Samples for firms to use to develop policies of their own
• Methods of delivering the policies and supplementing them through presentations
• Talking points for those who resist new policies
• Work-arounds for those who find long-term cell-phone-use addictions tough to break

Working Safely Outdoors in Warm Climates
Working outdoors when it’s hot can create an array of safety challenges that firms and individuals need to be aware of and plan for. This GBA Best Practices guide provides risk management guidance in relation to:
• Sun and UV-ray exposure
• Heat
• Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases
• West Nile Virus
• Poison ivy and related plants

Employee Safety Card
“Safety Is Priority One” is the key message of this employee pocket-safety card. Firms can print it as-is or easily customize it to add their own logos or special messages. The front of the card poses a series of brief instructions and questions employees should address before moving forward with a task.

Mine Tailings Dam Safety Materials
GBA has three important mine tailings resources available at NO COST, regardless of GBA membership. These documents guide mine owners, regulators, and practitioners toward a more efficient and safer approach to designing and maintaining mine tailings dams:

Proposed Best Practices for the Engineer of Record for Tailings Dams (Endorsed by the U.S. Society on Dams)
Recommendations from an informed body of geotechnical engineering practitioners for defining the roles and responsibilities of an Engineer of Record for a tailings dam or coal combustion residuals dam to enhance safety, environmental suitability, and social sustainability.

Business Brief: Addressing the Issue of Engineer of Record for Tailings Storage Facilities
Informs and educates engineering firms of the ever-increasing levels of risk associated with tailings-related work.

Important Information About this Tailings Storage Facility Design Report
Prepared in accordance with guidelines developed by GBA and reviewed by other recognized dam and mine safety organizations.

These three materials supplement each other, and you are encouraged to download all of them and begin using them immediately.

GBA Case Histories (search using keyword “safety”)
There are also several GBA Case Histories with important safety lessons including:

Case History #103 – Nuclear Gauge Management
If you own or operate nuclear densometer gauges, you must read this GBA Case History. At one time facing thousands of dollars in penalties and revocation of their license to own and/or operate nuclear gauges, one firm turned it around and developed a compliance program that was hailed as “a model for the industry.”

In addition to safety, GBA members have free access to resources to help their staff improve job performance, produce better results, and deal confidently and effectively with the risks inherent in every project. GBA’s unmatched library contains succinct, targeted resources that meet the unique business needs of geoprofessionals. LEARN HOW TO ACCESS GBA’S ONLINE MATERIALS.

In today’s business environment and technology landscape, geoprofessional consultants face a new generation of challenges and opportunities. As workforce dynamics shift, economic cycles tighten, and innovation accelerates, how can GBA help geoprofessional firms stay competitive, resilient, and ready?

Every few years, GBA seeks input from members, evaluates the market, and reflects on our purpose, goals, vision, and the strategic objectives required to meet them. Now, with the release of our 2027+ Strategic Plan, we’re delivering a new framework that will help our member firms – and the people who power them – lead through change and thrive in disruption.

The GBA 2027+ Strategic Plan isn’t just a vision – it’s a roadmap. The plan outlines clear objectives and strategies that will help enhance our members’ business performance, develop leaders, and prepare for the future. How will we do it?

SERVE AS A CATALYST FOR MEMBER SUCCESS

GBA will support member firm success by advancing the growth and development of employees to make them more effective and prosperous through change.

The pace of workforce transformation – driven by generational shifts, evolving skillsets, and demand for leadership agility – means professional development isn’t optional; it’s critical.

DELIVER DIFFERENCE-MAKING CONTENT AND PROGRAMS

GBA will lead the way in navigating fast-paced technological and workforce changes in the geoprofessions by demystifying, vetting, and promoting technology-driven strategies for our members to grow and thrive.

AI, automation, data platforms, and remote sensing aren’t the future—they’re the now. But not all tools are equal, and not all innovations make sense for our members.

BE A FOCI FOR THE GEOPROFESSIONS
Fueled by our value proposition, industry engagement, and genuine passion, GBA will emerge as the ultimate champion for collaboration, uniting like-minded allies to achieve common goals and drive industry innovation in an ever-changing environment.

The world is starting to grasp the critical role geoprofessionals play in the success of infrastructure, energy, transportation, water, and building projects. But we need to amplify that message—inside and outside the profession.

The Bottom Line
The GBA 2027+ Strategic Plan aligns our goals across the  Association; guides decisions about how we invest time and resources; tracks progress toward meaningful                       outcomes; and helps us anticipate what’s next for the geoprofession.

“Our new strategic plan reflects GBA’s commitment to helping our member firms not just navigate change, but lead through it,” said GBA Executive Director Joel Carson. “We’ve embraced a collaborative vision that elevates our profession, accelerates business success, and strengthens our shared future.”

View GBA’s 2027+ Strategic Plan: