We're Moving On Up!

Just close your eyes and listen to the theme song of the sitcom "The Jefferson's". Well we are moving on up, to the eastside, to a deluxe apartment in the sky. Okay, it's not a deluxe apartment, however it is definitely needed and as the song states, "We're Moving On Up!" As other board members have mentioned, please take the opportunity to visit Chicago and check the new and improved digs.

Congratulations to Bill Hughes

Basically, since right after the convention in Long Beach, Bill Hughes has filled to role of appointed VPT. Through all the proper channels, such as the Nominating Committee, Regional President's meetings and such, the Society Board reviewed all reports and with the required information in hand, the society president, Julius Ballanco appointed Bill Hughes, CPD, LEED-AP, to the position of VP Technical. As well, at our July board meeting in Chicago, the Board of Directors unanimously approved Bill for the position.

Who will be our next Executive Director?

As many of you know, and for those who don't, at the conclusion of the 2010 Convention & EPE to be held in Philadelphia, Stan Wolfson will retire as the ASPE Executive Director. We are at a stage that we must begin the process of finding our next Executive Director. At the July Board of Directors meeting in Chicago, our president, Julius Ballanco appointed an Executive Director Search Committee. This committee will have the responsibility handling all duties required in the search for the next Executive Director. Serving as Chairman of this committee will be the society VPT, Bill Hughes, CPD, LEED-AP. Also serving on the committee are VP Affiliate Billy Smith and Region Director Tim Smith, CPD, as well as Dan Fagan, Principal Director of Mechanical Engineering, OWP/P, representing the local engineering community. As we move through this process, we will keep informed as to where we stand at all times.

Continuing to look for growth!

As ASPE members, we should all continue to push our society for growth within our membership. And this is just one area that the Society Board continues to pursue. Just in the month of July, we've attempted to generate enough excitement in both Seattle, Washington and Anchorage, Alaska to look at new chapter possibilities. Both of these trips coincided with other industry meetings that would allow for a few of our Society Board members to make this endeavor feasible. During the week of July 20^th, the ASME A112 Main Standards Committee was holding their mid-year meeting in Seattle. The Society President, Julius Ballanco and I (VP Affiliate, Billy Smith) are Main Committee members and would already be in the area participating in these meetings. As well, the Society VP Membership, Jeff Ingertson managed to work it out that he would be working in Seattle during these same dates. With this in mind, Jeff went to work with many of the local Engineering & Affiliate community to put together what turned out to be a very successful evening meeting as more than 50 participants was on hand. There was enough interest that the required number of signatures was gathered to begin looking at the possibility of our 61^st Chapter. Now, we just need to keep that momentum moving toward that end.

As to Anchorage, Alaska, again, Julius, Jeff and I were able to working around our travel schedules to once again be in the same location in an effort to promote ASPE the extreme north country. The excitement for a chapter is there, however more work will need to be done to keep the early momentum going forward in Anchorage.

Technical Symposium

Dearborn in October

Okay Affiliates, the ASPE Technical Symposium will be on us before we know it. So, with that in mind, let's finalize our plans to be a symposium sponsor at some level. The levels are as follows: Diamond - $25,000, Platinum - $12,500, Gold - $7,500, Silver - $5,500, Bronze - $3,500 and Friend/Contributor - $1,000. As well, for ASPE Chapters, the symposium will be the final opportunity for using dues rebates as a sponsorship for any ASPE event. From that date forward all sponsorship opportunities will be directed to the manufacturer community.

Hey, what did you say?

Our ASPE board would like to offer a reminder to each of you. We are always available for you to talk to about anything ASPE related. Simply contact us. We want to hear from you. Comments and feedback are welcome: aspevpal@aspe.org.