10 Suggestions for a Green Valentine
President Marvin Malecha told us that a local TV station called, knowing that he is the AIA President and that the AIA is interested in all things green. The TV folks therefore came to the College of Design at North Carolina State to interview Dean Malecha about suggestions for a Green Valentine’s Day. Before the reporter showed up, Malecha quickly surveyed the college staff, who came up with the following suggestions. The importance of each idea is indicated by the size of its type. We liked them so much we thought we’d share and invite you to add your own suggestions to this week’s blog.

Reminder: Early Bird Registration for AIA 2009 Convention Ends February 17
Register now for the convention—April 30-May 2 in San Francisco—for the best rates
You can now register online for the AIA 2009 National Convention and Design Expo to take place April 30-May 2 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The Web site has some cool new features this year, including an interactive convention guide and enhanced seminar schedule that allows AIA members to design their convention curriculum using new keyword and drilldown search options. Themed “Diversity: Practice in a Complex World,” the convention offers more than 360 continuing-education opportunities including some 70 fabulous tours. Visit the AIA Convention Web site for more information and register now. Register on or before February 17 to take advantage of early-bird rates and get your first choice of programs and hotels. (And this year, we’re offering an additional 5 percent discount to all AIA members who register by February 17 using the promo code, “MEMBER.”) See you in the City on the Bay. (Photo courtesy of the Only in San Francisco visitors’ bureau.)

Eight Architects Declare Candidacy for Three Offices
Elections for the Institute’s next first vice president/president-elect, vice presidents, and treasurer will be held in April at the AIA 2009 National Convention and Expo in San Francisco.

kiplinger connection
China • The Economy • Human Resources
China: Cooling growth makes it bad for U.S. too.
The Economy: Job market even worse than it looks.
Human Resources: Furloughs over layoffs—be careful.