Sammies "Crash" LAI New Member Dinner

The Lambda Alpha International land economics society held their new member induction dinner on January 15th, 2026 at the Penn Club. Among the new members inducted to the NYC chapter was Sammy Tri-State member Fra Michael Kawochka.

He joins other long-time LAI members and Sammy Tri-Staters Jeff Beal (Past President), Scott Bloom (Board member), Anthony "Tony Trans-Am" Berti (Treasurer) and Derek Tynen.

By no means was this a Sammy Tri-State event, but Sammies do figure prominently at LAI, comprising a considerable portion of the leadership quotient of the NYC chapter: 2/5ths of the current board and a past president are Sammy Tri-Staters. Jackie Weinholtz, sister to Fra Joe Weinholtz provides administrative and operational support to the club.

LAI Membership is extended by invitation only. Candidates must be nominated by active members and vetted by their local chapter. Because members are among the foremost land economics professionals in the world, each nomination has a screening process that carefully examines expertise, accomplishments, and values.

Some of the minimum requirements necessary for nomination:

• Have 10 or more years of experience in your area of practice

• Be professionally distinguished

• Be an outstanding contributor to the field of land economics

• Demonstrate high standards of professional ethics

• Be committed to public service

Lambda Alpha International (LAI) is a global honorary society for distinguished professionals in land economics, connecting experts like architects, developers, planners, and government officials to share knowledge, promote best practices, and discuss sustainable land use and development across its international chapters. Founded in 1930 at Northwestern University, LAI emphasizes networking, professional development, and public service, with membership granted by invitation to accomplished individuals in the field.

LAI chapters are located across the U.S., and in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia.

LAI curates monthly events open to prospective members and guests. For more information on LAI or Sammy Tri-State Alumni Club, email SammyTriState (at) gmail (dot) com.

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