|
“In all human affairs there are efforts, and
there are results, and the strength of the effort is
the measure of the result.”1
The key to strengthening the section and our
industry in the upcoming years lies in strategic
implementation of three “C’s” – Connectivity,
Communication, and Collaboration. As our volunteers
bring the organization to the 2009 term, we all need
to know how these essential elements will guide our
section’s action toward the goals of increased
membership, comprehensive education and training,
significant industry influence, and section/chapter
interoperability in 2009 and beyond. We are the
industry leaders who can be a mentor, teacher, or
someone in the life of our members who has taken a
keen interest in the professional development of the
section members. I implore all members to
participate in the IEEE NOLA Section’s new
membership development program facilitated by the
IEEE Membership Development Webinars, to connect
membership categories and to encourage members to
stimulate productive connections between industry
and NOLA section members.
In
a time when the generational make up of the
workforce is changing, I also emphasized the
importance of implementing a new IEEE NOLA Section
training program to connect with and engage new
members, students via collegiate student branches,
and other programs within the IEEE such as GOLD.
Fostering connectivity relies in effective
communication and branding of IEEE. My goal is for
the IEEE NOLA Section to be recognized by our
members and others as are organizations like AARP
and AAA to their constituents.
Building on the first two “C’s,” let me stress that
the last principle of collaboration hinges on the
importance of working with like-minded organizations
in order to affect change on all levels, develop
meaningful education and certification programs, and
conduct significant membership research.
I
conclude by reaffirming my commitment to effectively
welcome change in the section, and challenge those
who hear me to step in with their ideas, time, and
influence to advance the IEEE NOLA Section.
Sincerely,
Stephen D. Bourg
Chairman 2008
1 Quoting James Lane Allen
|
.gif)
