General Information
The Northeast Arc Users Group (NEARC) is one of several independent regional organizations that represent users of Geographic Information System (GIS) software developed by Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) of Redlands, California. Esri software includes, among other things, such well-known GIS products as ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online. NEARC was formed in 1986; the geographic area encompassed by the group includes New England and New York.
Since its inception, one of NEARC's primary functions has been to host an annual fall users conference in one of the Northeast NEARC states. As the conference has grown (more than 500 attended the 1999 conference in Mashantucket, CT), the group has found it necessary to become somewhat more formal, by filing for formal nonprofit tax-exempt status and hiring a professional conference planner.
While NEARC works closely with Esri in a variety of ways, it is not affiliated with the company; Esri did not create NEARC, does not fund it, and does not participate in any way in selecting officers or determining the structure or agenda of the group. NEARC exists only because users in the region have volunteered their time and experience to the group. Membership in NEARC requires simply registering for the annual conference, there are no membership dues. Any and all users of Esri software in the region are welcome and encouraged to participate in the annual conference group's activities. And while the group does focus specifically on Esri software, it welcomes all who are interested in GIS technology.
The NEARC executive board consists of seven members: President, Treasurer, Secretary, and four additional board members. With the exception of the president, board members each serve staggered three-year terms. The president serves for two years in his or her lead capacity, followed by an additional two-year term as a regular board member. Elections for board members are held at the NEARC business meeting at the annual conference.
Since its inception, one of NEARC's primary functions has been to host an annual fall users conference in one of the Northeast NEARC states. As the conference has grown (more than 500 attended the 1999 conference in Mashantucket, CT), the group has found it necessary to become somewhat more formal, by filing for formal nonprofit tax-exempt status and hiring a professional conference planner.
While NEARC works closely with Esri in a variety of ways, it is not affiliated with the company; Esri did not create NEARC, does not fund it, and does not participate in any way in selecting officers or determining the structure or agenda of the group. NEARC exists only because users in the region have volunteered their time and experience to the group. Membership in NEARC requires simply registering for the annual conference, there are no membership dues. Any and all users of Esri software in the region are welcome and encouraged to participate in the annual conference group's activities. And while the group does focus specifically on Esri software, it welcomes all who are interested in GIS technology.
The NEARC executive board consists of seven members: President, Treasurer, Secretary, and four additional board members. With the exception of the president, board members each serve staggered three-year terms. The president serves for two years in his or her lead capacity, followed by an additional two-year term as a regular board member. Elections for board members are held at the NEARC business meeting at the annual conference.
