Message from the President

In her last message as President of this ISA Section, Grace MacMillen talks about a two year training program for those who want hands on management training on how to run a small organization. Well, here I go as the newest President of this Section. I have been a long time participant and believer in local Sections of organizations such as ISA since I received many awards from both ISA and IEEE for science fair projects in junior and senior high school.

The camaraderie and conversations with those that share a personal interest in coming together on a monthly basis is what keeps the sections going even when things don't look so good. With that in mind, I had to ask myself 'What value am I / we getting out of this when I had to fork over $100 to belong to an organization where I am doing volunteer work?' 

In a round-about-way we keep asking ourselves at out meetings "How do we as a section provide value to our members?" and "Why should one become a member?" That is the same thing that people that are paid for their day job have to come up with solutions for all the time. This is going to be a big part of our discussions and actions this year. The 'easy' and immediately rewarding thing to do is offer Technical Sessions and Tours to places of interest.

I am not sure that all or many members get the 'free' $100 worth of Standards each year. What else can we do? How do we provide useful value to our members and communities? Please join this Section's Board and Members in creating and providing value for others and ourselves.

Thank you for your support and Grace for her patience and five years as President.

Grayg Ralphsnyder