ISA Connections 2009

A Year to Remember

2009-12-21T13:35:00.000-08:00

As I sit here in my warm home, four days before Christmas, reflecting on this past year, I am compelled to offer my sincere thanks to all the people that made my time as ISA President an amazing experience. Even with all the heartache that this year brought, I am optimistic that the years ahead will provide our Membership with the kind of Society from which they can all benefit and to which they can all be proud to belong. I base my optimism on all of the passionate, engaged, and loyal Members of ISA. Our Membership is second to none. As an ISA Member since 1985, my love for this association increases each and every year. Also, I am continually impressed and thankful for the ISA Staff. If the Membership is the fabric of our Society, then our staff would be the thread that binds us all together. Our staff has experienced the highs and lows that this year has offered. Even with this, they have pushed through with high levels of professionalism and class. Our Members are extremely fortunate to have such people to work with and to call our friends.

A special thank you goes to the 2009 Executive Board. The decisions that they needed to make from the high responsibility of their position were quite difficult and the manner in which they handled them was quite admirable. We debated, discussed, and argued always with the Member in mind. Anyone who says otherwise is misinformed. A special thank to our Finance Committee. Through numerous meetings, they developed the budget that will set ISA on a path for future success.

Thanks go out to the Executive Committee:
•Terry Ives, for the effective and professional manner that you completed your duties of Treasurer.
•Declan Lordan and Mario Cash, for your passion, commitment, and friendship—the Members were well represented by both of you.
•Kim Miller Dunn, our 2008 Society President, for your professionalism, class, and grace which was much appreciated during my year as President. I will always cherish our times working for the Membership.
•Nelson Ninin, who takes over as President in a couple of weeks, for you I offer my continued support and, when requested, my advice.

I just want to commit to you all my focus and effort in making our association better than ever. I will always be there to offer my assistance.

A special thanks goes to Pat Gouhin, our Executive Director. He continues to impress me with his level of professionalism and mental toughness. In my opinion, ISA is fortunate to have you on our team. Debbie Eby, you are the greatest!

Finally, I thank all ISA Members for their interest in the profession of automation. I see great things in the future for automation. I am sure that ISA will be at the forefront in driving and supporting initiatives to help make those great things a reality.

All the best for 2010,

Jerry Cockrell
2009 Society President

P.S. Though this is my last ISA Connections Blog entry, my Blogging does not end here. I invite you follow my entries and musings from my term as Chair of the Automation Federation starting in January when I take over the AF Chair’s Blog.

A New Beginning

2009-11-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

A well-known phrase that comes to mind as we look to the future is, “Today is the first day of the rest of our lives.” This phrase holds true for us because it is indeed a new beginning for ISA.

As many of you know, the Society has had to make difficult decisions in the recent months. Like many companies and organizations, we’ve been hit by the economy and we have reacted quickly to ensure long-term viability and success for the organization. You can be proud of the committees and leaders that worked to develop the strategies and business models that the executive board reviewed, discussed, and approved at the Fall Leader Meeting in Houston. They have worked diligently to present the best plans to move the Society forward, and they are committed to working with each of you to implement those strategies.

We all have the chance to make something that has always been special in our lives even more special. Among other things, the opportunity to develop the premier technical conference for automation as a focal point is there for the taking. My vision is to have a conference that will evolve into the “must attend” event of the profession. It will be the driving force for many ancillary activities that complement the knowledge, networking, and collaborative opportunities on which the Society can thrive. Albeit on a smaller scale than years’ past, an exhibit component will be fully integrated into the landscape of the event, allowing for unprecedented levels of access and exclusivity for this much valued part of the community. The latest knowledge and information will be disseminated to technicians, engineers, scientists, and academics from around the world—further strengthening our brand and the technical credibility behind it.

Possibilities for certification, publications, standards, and training are only limited by our failure to dream. These bring out the technical content on which ISA can thrive moving forward. ISA has a tremendous foundation of products and services that provide benefits to all of our Members. We must not forget this and we must all work to broadly communicate that value.

To ensure success, we all must come together to work as one team. Together, we will be able to do great things. My vision is full of optimism. You have my commitment as Society President—and as soon to be Past President—that every bit of effort possible will be spent working the dream. I hope that each of you will pledge your efforts to work the dream. Hold your head high and champion the thoughts on which tomorrow will be built.

Jerry
2009 ISA President

The Challenging Field of Automation

2009-09-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

An ISA and AF initiative that is near and dear to me, as a lifetime academic person, is the workforce development program planned for students and young automation professionals this year in Houston. Some of the activities included in this program are listed below. If you are attending Automation Week and ISA EXPO I hope you will take some time to meet and greet these automation professionals of the future. This is a chance for you to tell them how much you enjoy your work in automation. Let them know that this field holds many challenges and opportunities. Be sure to encourage them to join or to continue their membership in the International Society of Automation. But above all, encourage them to pursue or continue to pursue a career in automation.

Help us build the Automation Generation at Automation Week!

Automation Career Connection at Automation Week and ISA EXPO offers a multitude of activities related to careers in automation. It is designed to bring industry professionals, academia, college students, middle and high school students, and those interested in getting involved with the automation profession to these special automation career-related events.

YAPFEST – This networking event gives students and automation professionals—ages 18-30—the chance to meet with others who are interested in careers in automation. All in a festive atmosphere! If you are 18-30 years of age, you are invited to attend. 300 attendees anticipated!

iAU2M8.09 – This event introduces the concept of automation to middle and high school students and provides examples of the many career choices available through educational displays, a keynote presentation, and more activities related to the automation profession. 600 students anticipated!

Undergraduate Student Research Conference – This event provides an opportunity for pre-selected college students to show their fundamental knowledge and skills in an information exchange focused on research projects. Open to all!

Business & Academic Leads Roundtable - Presented by the Institute for a Competitive Workforce - US Chamber of Commerce, this program invites business and academia to come together to discuss critical topics, such as:

-Business-Education Partnerships: The Road Both Traveled
-Better Education Data—A Key to Effective Educational Decisions
-The National Governors Association—Common Core Initiative

This program will be held on 6 October from 9:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Open to all!

Re-employment Webcast Summit - This live webinar, presented by the US Department of Labor, will focus on critical areas of concern for the unemployed and "need-to-knows" for re-employment into the workforce. Those currently unemployed in the automation profession or those looking to advance in their careers are encouraged to attend. This free webinar will take place on 7 October from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Open to all!

These workforce development events will serve 1,000+ people at all age levels as they learn more about careers in automation and how to improve their current careers in automation. Check out the ISA EXPO onsite program or the registration desk for details about these events.

See you at ISA EXPO 2009,

Jerry Cockrell
2009 ISA President

The Dog Days of Summer

2009-08-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

The Fall Leaders Meeting (FLM) and ISA EXPO signal a culmination of effort for the year, leading to many decision-making meetings for ISA leaders. The various committees, the Activity Boards, the Executive Board, and the Council of Society Delegates all come together to deliberate and to make decisions on the operation and activities of ISA.

This year is especially important because of the great challenges we all face and the challenges that must be addressed. As Members and leaders, it is up to us to address these challenges in a responsible manner. As Society President, I will focus my efforts in addressing these challenges with the Member always in mind. And, I am completely confident that your leadership also will have the Member in mind as they too address these challenges.

I hope each of you, the ISA Members, will take advantage of the tremendous opportunity that EXPO offers. You can get an unbiased look at some of the newest and most interesting technology available today. And, you can step into the future of automation through the keynote and the numerous technical presentations.

Just the other day, someone brought up a question that I found quite interesting to ponder. They wanted a short explanation of what ISA actually meant to the Member in terms of benefits. This was not to include the vast number of products and services offered by ISA. Most are aware that the core competencies of education and training, publications, certification, standards, and conferences and exhibits provide tangible benefits to ISA Members; but, these areas do not really get to the heart of the question, “What is ISA?”

Let me try to explain the reason we exist, from Jerry’s point of view. First and foremost, we are an association of like-minded individuals with a common interest. The ISA Membership is grounded in a common knowledge base defined by automation. Every one of us can speak in terms of loops, control, transmitters, PLC’s, final control, and all the terms and concepts that make up the field of automation. We may work is different industries, but still we are based in that common language.

ISA is the association that gives each of us an identity as a professional involved in some part of the world of automation. ISA is the place we all go to tap into that knowledge base for our profession. Be it accessing a standard, obtaining a book, getting training, earning certification or licensure, or interacting with fellow professionals, this society provides the place to go for everything in automation. So what is the reason for ISA’s existence? I think it is to provide a place for improving the Member’s knowledge, competence, professionalism, performance, and leadership in their work and personal lives. What do you think?

I hope to see you in Houston Texas in early October.

Jerry Cockrell
2009 ISA President

Mid-Summer Ramblings: Good News. Bad News.

2009-07-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a couple of weeks since the Summer Leaders Meeting in Indianapolis. I am confident in saying that from all indications, the meeting venue in downtown Indy was indeed successful. Those leaders in attendance came together as a team to consider how to move ISA forward in these tough economic times. I am honored to be associated with such a highly professional group.

One of our Members and a Distinguished Service Award recipient, Douglas A. Decker, P.E., has been selected for induction into the inaugural class of twenty-two members to the Energy Efficiency Forum Hall of Fame. The induction ceremonies were held in Washington DC on 15 June 2009, prior to the start of the 20th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum held at the National Press Club.

After graduating from the University of Denver with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration and Engineering, Decker started a 43-year career with Johnson Controls Inc., a Fortune 100 company—rising to the position of Vice President, Government Business, before retiring in 2001.

Twenty years ago, Decker conceived the necessity of an annual forum on energy efficiency in which national and international leaders in government and business would come together to share ideas on energy efficient concepts and their implementation. This was the beginning of the annual Energy Efficiency Forum, co-sponsored by Johnson Controls Inc. and the US Energy Association. Decker served as chairman of the forum for its first twelve years, until his retirement.
I am pleased to offer sincere congratulations on behalf of ISA to Douglas on this great achievement.

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On a sad note, we lost another former ISA President, Keith Herbst—ISA President 1989. I came to know Keith over the years through my various positions within ISA. I was always impressed with his high level of dignity and professionalism. Keith was a classy individual who had a profound effect on this ISA leader. I will always think of Keith Herbst as one of those leaders I would most like to emulate. Keith will be missed. May he rest in peace!

Jerry Cockrell
2009 ISA President

This is Big!

2009-06-03T12:53:00.001-07:00

A group of very dedicated volunteers from the Automation Federation and ISA have been working on developing an Automation Competency Model with the US Department of Labor (DOL). In April, these efforts were finalized with the very first completed competency model.

This is a big accomplishment because it provides a basis for defining the automation profession. The model will be the document that is used by the Automation Federation, ISA, employers, employees, and those future automation professionals who may aspire to become part of this dynamic field.

The Automation Competency Model is made up of the knowledge, skills, and traits that will define and describe an automation professional. I am very proud to say that the DOL and our volunteers used the Automation Body of Knowledge and the ISA Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®) certification program as information resources for the development of this Model. I have a vision for the application of this document to our workforce development efforts by ISA and the Automation Federation. Academia at the two- and four-year educational levels will find the document very helpful in developing new automation-related curricula.

The DOL recently held a Roundtable for US and European Union representatives to discuss “Skills for Growth and Jobs in the Economic Recovery and Beyond.” The Roundtable, held May 28-29, in Washington, D.C., centered on workforce development strategies for economic recovery. The DOL representatives used the Automation Competency Model as an example as they discussed the importance of Competency Models for the development of worker skill sets for future economic recovery efforts. Subsequent to the Roundtable, the Automation Federation and the European Union have agreed to further discussions regarding the Automation Competency Model and how it can be utilized by the members of the EU. This means the Model is going global!

If you would like to review the model, it can be accessed at www.automationfederation.org/model. This is one more example of your fellow association members working hard to develop automation as a profession that we can all be proud to be a part of. I salute all of the volunteers and staff who played a part in this BIG effort.

I also look forward to welcoming those leaders who will travel to my home state of Indiana, for the Summer Leaders Meeting. If you are not a native of Indiana, then for five days you all will be honorary Hoosiers.

Jerry Cockrell

Vernon Trevathan & Jim Lawrence

2009-05-28T12:34:00.001-07:00

We lost two more great ISA leaders recently. Vernon Trevathan passed on earlier this month. I have come to know and admire Vernon over the past few years for his tireless work on various PDD (Professional Development Department) projects, especially CAP® (Certified Automation Professional®). I have heard him referred to as the “Father of CAP,” a designation that was well deserved. I always knew that if there was a question about CAP, Vernon was the guy to ask.

I admired Vernon for his grace and style. He was always the consummate professional. Vernon would always have the time to discuss ISA with his fellow leaders. His legacy will live on in ISA, CAP, the Automation Body of Knowledge, and PDD. Those of us who were honored with the opportunity to know and work with Vernon are quite fortunate. I will miss Vernon as will ISA Staff and his fellow leaders. I offer condolences to his family for the loss. Just know that there is a sizable group of friends thinking of Vernon. He will be in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace!

Also this week, I received notice that Jim Lawrence passed away. Jim was a dear friend, mentor, and respected ISA colleague. He was one of the leaders who encouraged and guided me to become an ISA leader. Jim was a former District 6 VP and a very active Life Member. You could always count on Jim to be at leadership meetings and to get involved in helping make ISA the society it is today. I hear that the Wednesday before his death, Jim attended an ISA Section leadership meeting. He even volunteered to visit some educational institutions in Wisconsin to work with students. I will miss you Jim Lawrence. May you rest in peace!

Respectfully,
Jerry Cockrell

Spring Ramblings

2009-04-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

As ISA President, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to visit a number of different Society functions. Springtime for me means traveling to meet with Members and leaders in all parts of the world to discuss ISA. One of the major responsibilities of your Executive Committee is attending these various events to provide an ISA Update. Included in these events are Section meetings, District Leadership Conferences, and Division Symposia.

These visits serve to reinforce my overall admiration for what we do as an association. We come together at the local, regional, national, and international level to enjoy each other’s company and to discuss ISA and the automation profession.

I would like to reflect on three separate events I attended this spring (so far).
In early April, I took Interstate 70 West from Terre Haute, Indiana, to St. Louis, Missouri. The St. Louis Section was conducting their regular monthly meeting, and they requested my attendance to meet and speak on everything ISA. After a fine dinner and brief business meeting, the Members present listened to my speech on the progress of ISA. For those of you who know me, I just love to speak to Members at the “grassroots” level of our Society. We sometimes forget that much of what we gain in knowledge and fellowship starts at the Section level. I sincerely believe that the Members in attendance were quite excited to hear about or efforts in workforce development, standards, training, ISA EXPO, and certification. I left St. Louis with a very good feeling about our beloved Society.

The next weekend I traveled to Wisconsin Dells for the District 6 DLC. As full disclosure, I am, and have always been, involved with District 6, so if my bias shows, please forgive me. The District Leadership Conference (DLC) brings leaders from all over a District to one place for training and fellowship. The Saturday session usually includes presentations on running a Section, budgets, newsletters, etc. District 6 provided training for attendees with online methods. Paul Gruhn completed a live, on camera lecture on “Effective Presentations.” He was able to do this from his home in Texas. I would have to say that this was very well received by the attendees.

Now, my bias will show. District 6 has for many years focused on student activities at their DLC. I remember back 15 years when the ISADES scholarship program for high school students was in operation. The scholarship awards were made at the spring DLC. Then the SWEEP 6 program for District Student Sections was developed. This event includes a practical and bowl competition. This year, the number of students and faculty advisors in attendance was over 80. The folks in District 6 are continuing this student support tradition with much success.

For my third trek in April, I was able to attend the Analysis Division Symposium in Houston, Texas. The ISA Divisions form the major technical areas of focus for the Society. Over the years, I have always been aware of the Analysis Division because of the numerous awards that they receive from ISA. After attending the AD Symposium, it became clear to me that these folks are highly effective in what they do, both in running a division and in serving their membership. I attended a number of sessions on analysis during the event. It has been many years since I have taken a course in analysis systems, so much of the discussions were not familiar to me. But I am confident about two things: One, the Analysis Division is made up of some very knowledgeable individuals who are leaders in their field. Two, the Analysis Division leadership knows who they are and where they want to go in the future. Put me down as one impressed Society leader.

During the symposium, a very touching and emotional memorial to one of the Analysis Divisions leaders was conducted. Ken Konrad passed earlier this year. Ken was a very active, effective, and beloved leader within the Division. He was also present at many national ISA events. Jerry Clemons and Dale Merriman led a very emotional and dignified memorial to Ken’s life. The family of Ken Konrad attended the memorial, and they were very appreciative and quite touched by the remembrance of their husband and father. I was fortunate to have met Ken a few times over the years. He will be missed, but always remembered.

That is a brief tour of my April activities and my thoughts about three areas of our Society. The month of May will be an equally busy month. I hope our paths cross and we will have the opportunity to talk about ISA.

Hope to see you in Indianapolis during the Summer Leaders Meeting this June.

Jerry Cockrell

The Joys of Leadership

2009-03-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

I just said my goodbyes to a group of academic officials from Saint Petersburg, Russia. They were here at Indiana State University to observe some of our distance education methods. I had a wonderful time showing them the methods and tools we use to deliver advanced content to students all around the world. I was also told that all of the members of the delegation were ISA Members.

That started me thinking about my experiences with ISA and how leadership in this Society has enriched my life. Where else is a guy like me--born in Kentucky, raised in Illinois, and is now an Indiana “Hoosier”--afforded the opportunity to meet so many interesting and knowledgeable people?

Every ISA meeting that I attend is a new and exciting experience for me. I get to chat with experts in many different and “cutting edge” areas. One day a discussion on SmartGrid may dominate my focus while another may include chats on “wireless to new controller” principles. For a person who has dedicated his career to knowledge transfer, this is like being a child in a candy store.

Our Society is heading into a very important time period. ISA will be conducting what are known as DLC’s. The DLC, or District Leadership Conference, is a short one- or two-day meeting for present, past, and future ISA leaders.

The DLC is a chance for past leaders to impart their acquired knowledge and experience to the new leadership. This is a great time for mentoring the leaders of today and tomorrow. Present and future leaders have the opportunity to learn about this great association. They will learn about the inner workings of ISA: how to plan and run Section meetings, where to find information and resources that may be helpful to the local section, how to publish a newsletter, how to promote teambuilding, ways to support student sections, and much more.

The DLC is an opportunity to network with other Society leaders. You can learn from the mistakes and problems encountered by others.

So, my message to each of you reading this Blog: Try to attend a DLC this year. In these tough times, it may be difficult for you to attend, so lend support to those leaders who have honored the call to help move ISA forward into the future.

I hope to see you at a DLC soon.

Jerry

Walt Bajek - 1975 ISA President

2009-03-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

I received some sad news this week. Walt Bajek, the 1975 ISA President, passed away. Being from District 6, I had the fortunate opportunity to know and work with Walt for many years. He was probably one of the first Society leaders, and through his fierce dedication to this Society, he drew me to being an active ISA leader. I will forever be indebted to him for that. Walt has to be among my group of most cherished mentors.

Walt Bajek was an interesting fellow. He never hesitated to speak up at meetings with his position or opinion about things being done for ISA. He was a direct sort of person. He rarely parsed his words but would come right out and tell you face-to-face that you might want to rethink your position. As a long time college professor, I greatly appreciate that characteristic in people. So many times, issues or problems are based in spin to a point where the actual solution can never be reached. Walt was not a spinner.

Walt Bajek was a highly dedicated ISA Member. No matter where the meeting was held, he would always be in attendance. Even in his last years, he would always be at ISA functions. I had the opportunity to speak to a Chicago and Will-Dupage Section meeting recently. My sincere hope was that Walt would be in attendance. One of the Members mentioned that Walt was not doing well and that he would be unable to attend. After hearing that, I had a few moments to myself to remember Walt and what he meant to me. I am thankful for my memories of Walt Bajek.

I know Walt is looking down on us. He is watching that we continue to move the Society that he loved forward into the future. Walt Bajek holds a special place in my heart. As I continue my time as president, I hope that everything that I do this year reflects well on those that came before me, especially Walt Bajek.

May he rest in peace!

Jerry Cockrell

Members, Mentor a Member!

2009-02-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

January 2009 was National Mentoring Month in the US. This yearly effort mobilizes volunteers to help young people reach their potential. Various programs are designed to help young people live productive lives.

The International Society of Automation has an opportunity to help the young and not-so-young people working in automation career fields, or those who want to learn more about our profession. We have a large network of individuals who are perfectly suited for the role of mentor. The numerous ISA Sections and Divisions could provide the right type of mentor for present and future automation professionals.

On a recent trip to Edmonton and Calgary in Canada, I was struck by the very positive relationship between student sections and regular section members. I witnessed a strong connection, and genuine concern, for the futures of all students entering into careers in automation. It was apparent to me that the good folks in these two sections have regular contact with their students. The ISA Members regularly provide advice, counsel, direction, and yes, positive role models for these young folks.

At the Section or Division level, you can contact a member of a nearby Student Section. Tell them what automation is really all about. Let them know how enjoyable your career has been. Take them to your job site and give them an opportunity to live the life of an automation professional for a day or two. Answer their questions. I guarantee that it will be rewarding--not only for the young person, but also for you, because it’s true that we “get what we give.”
Now, I want to talk about the automation professional that may be going through some hard times. We, as working ISA Members, have a professional responsibility to mentor our fellow members who are under some level of employment stress. The economic situation around the globe has left some of our automation colleagues without jobs. They may have been furloughed because of the present economic environment. Now is a perfect time to practice the concept of “association.” We are ISA Members for a number of personal reasons, including continuing education and training, publications, standards, etc. But more important than those things, we are part of a larger community. ISA is 30,000 strong.

If you know of a member who has recently been furloughed, give them a call and offer them your counsel. Help them through these rough times. Let them know that they have a network of support that is an email or phone call away. If you are an out of work ISA member, seek out your fellow members. I am confident that they will be more than willing to offer assistance. ISA will be setting up a webpage of resources specifically for people who find themselves unemployed in this difficult economic time.

On many occasions during my time in ISA, I have seen and felt the power of what it truly means to be part of an “association.” I have seen out of work members who attend a section meeting leave that event with a stack of business cards and a promise to talk to the member about employment possibilities.

Let’s have an association movement to help our fellow Members. Let’s call it “Member, Mentor A Member!” Reach out to those Members who are caught in the downturn of the world economy. Let them know that they have a friend in ISA. If you are a Member caught in this situation, do not hesitate to contact your fellow ISA Members, and check the website for resources that can help you. I have found over the years that the people that make up ISA are some of the most caring, sensitive, influential, and friendly people around. Together, we can all get through these uncertain times.

Visit ISA’s Resources for Unemployed and Underemployed Automation Professionals webpage.

-Jerry

Passion for Association

2009-02-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

Your ISA leadership came together for a two-day training program at ISA headquarters in Research Triangle Park. These leaders donated their time and effort to gather and learn how to make this society even better in the coming years. They traveled from all over to attend this event. These people are remarkable. They gave of their time to participate in something good. They spent hours and hours listening to presentations, debating, and discussing the problems and issues that confront our society.

I want to report to all ISA Members that you should be proud of your society level leadership. These people are passionate about your association. To a person, they want a better ISA for everyone. Please just think about this for one minute. With time constraints pressuring each and every one of us, these leaders spent an entire weekend dealing with ISA business and information.

We spent time in our training sessions learning about those things that may affect the society now and in the future. We learned about the inner working of ISA starting at the organization chart. That diagram was one of the first things that caused me to join ISA in 1985. Back then the Member was the top level block of the chart. Well, guess what, the Member is still at the top. That alone says volumes about your society. We learned what it means to be a global society and how to operate in an ever changing world.

We touched on something that must be considered to entice the younger potential member, Web 2.0 and similar contemporary technology. We discovered that ISA should embrace this technology, to serve our membership, young and old.

I believe we all left RTP with a sense of purpose that will drive the Executive Board throughout 2009 and beyond. Each and every leader has a passion for ISA that motivates them to first become leaders, and second to strive to become better leaders.

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a focused, effective, driven, and professional group of people. Through their efforts, and yours, our society will continue to be the association that is “Setting the Standard for Automation.”

-Jerry

I Offer You My Commitment

2009-01-16T12:23:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

It is a very high honor for me to have the opportunity to represent all ISA Members throughout the world. Your confidence in me to be your President for 2009 is much appreciated. I will dedicate all my efforts to advance the automation profession into the future.

I would first like to offer my appreciation to our Past President, Kim Miller Dunn. She has served the Society with a level of class and dignity that is unmatched. Her accomplishments as President are many. I am proud to have served with Kim not only as President-elect Secretary, but also throughout our past years as ISA leaders. I have always looked to Kim as a being the prototype of the effective ISA leader in the ways she is able to deal with ISA business. I hope that my tenure as President will be as successful as Kim’s.

During my time as president-elect secretary, I have been fortunate to visit and speak at a number of ISA global venues. I have visited India, Mexico, and Brazil. I have also visited some Section and Division events in the USA. The opportunity to talk with the many dedicated and passionate Members in these countries has reinforced my opinion that the International Society of Automation, and indeed the automation profession, is on the brink of great things.

We all must be aware that the tough economic times around the world may have an effect on your Society. I can assure you that the ISA leadership will do everything possible to minimize any negative effects this economic downturn may cause. One of the common points of discussion is how automation and the automation profession will fare during the global economic crisis. My response is that we, as automation professionals at all levels, have an opportunity to offer solutions to the crisis. Automation is a field that can offer industries the methods to improve the productivity, quality, and efficiency of their processes. The automation professional is a valuable asset to any company wanting to improve and maintain high levels of competitiveness.

Another message that I like to convey is that ISA is part of our professional family. ISA is made up of thousands of like-minded professionals with similar interests and backgrounds. We can obtain our continuing education, information on new industry trends, standards, training, conference and exposition opportunities, and much more. But one of the most valuable benefits of our association is in the networking opportunities it offers. Some of my best professional and personal friends have been made through my ISA affiliation.

We will travel this journey through 2009 together as an extended, professional family.

So, this brings me to my thoughts as I enter my term as President. When first elected, many things go through your mind as to what one's agenda will be for the year. It is natural that you want to make an impact. Then reality sets in, and you realize that you only have a year to accomplish certain things. My day job is as a professor at Indiana State University. My responsibilities center mostly on graduate level study at the Master’s and Doctoral level. When my graduate students are considering topics for dissertation research, I always advise them that they should not try to make huge changes to the technology, but should look at "nudging" the technology only a bit. That is going to be my mantra for the year. I want to accomplish enough so that by next year this time, I can say that ISA was moved forward, or "nudged."

So, there it is. I offer you my commitment that I will focus my efforts on making ISA and the automation profession something that we can all be proud of. I want to continue the momentum started by prior administrations to advance automation and the automation profession.
I will look forward to my periodic musings to you during 2009. Stay tuned for more.

-Jerry
2009 ISA Society President