The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA), founded in 1963, is considered to be the premier organization for the use and integration of spatial information technologies to improve the quality of life in urban and regional environments. Members enjoy a variety of benefits to help in their professional development including the following:

• The peer-reviewed URISA Journal, and the association newsletter, URISA News
• Timely distribution of Marketplace
• Discounts on the vast number of titles in URISA's publications library
• Significant discounts on annual conference registration (URISA 2003: October 11-15 in Atlanta, Georgia)
• Significant discounts on specialty conference registration
• Complimentary subscriptions to GeoWorld, Geospatial Solutions, Government Technology, and Governing magazines
• Free distribution of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to URISA corporate and Business members
• Opportunity to participate on URISA committees

URISA led the effort for the GIS Professional Certification Program and is currently in the final stages of testing the program before it will debut in fall 2003. Invest in your own professional development this year. Get involved with an organization in which you can make a difference.

"For me, URISA is a community of friends and professionals who are interested in sharing their real experiences in implementing technology in public service organizations," says Jack Dangermond, president, Esri, Redlands, California, and a URISA member since 1969. "In the early years, I had the opportunity to present my work, get constructive criticism, and discuss the concepts and ideas of how GIS could make a meaningful contribution to society. URISA is one of my favorite professional associations, not to mention that I always have fun at the annual meetings!"

To join URISA, or for more information, visit www.urisa.org or contact URISA (tel.: 847-824-6300, e-mail: info@urisa.org).