A lot has happened in the past months that requires reporting on. The most important was this year's Council AGM. The inauguration of our new president, the speech from the outgoing president and the selection of branch of the year are topics for discussion.
Cornu is my choice as well. I think he showed that he has the same passion for the institute of that of the Secunda Branch. He is facing a very tough year but with the support from his council members and the same from all the branches I believe he can do it. He has everything that he will need from the Secunda Branch and all of its members. He is faced with a massive challenge to pull the institute back on track towards the goal to be the institute of choice and he will require the assistance from every member of the institute to be able to do so in the year to come. The spin-offs for the members will be plentiful if this can be achieved. So my appeal to every member is to offer your support to our new president and to carry out the initiative of the SAIMC and what it stands for. The innovations committee is open for ideas to enhance the Institute in industry and we know that you can support us in that area. Drop us a mail and tell us what your needs are and how we can cater for them.
Our outgoing president stated on several occasions that he wondered if he led well. His reign was one of great turmoil, but I believe not without direction. For the past three years the Institute was in a process of reconciliation. We have come a long way and he caught the low point of this exercise. Someone had to take it and he was strong enough to pull through. From now on things will get better and he will be part of the positives that are to come from his experiences. He promised to become very active in the Johannesburg branch again and we look forward to see him playing a leading role in that branch again.
The Branch of the Year came as a big surprise and we as the Secunda branch really believed that we had made it for 2003. Congratulations to the Jo'burg Branch who did it again. By hook or by crook they pulled it off again. Some changes will happen this year to the benefit of the Institute and these promise to level the playing field to make it possible for other branches big or small to compete on a more equal basis. Already there is great competition with the Durban branch promise that they are now also entering that playing field.
The Secunda Branch second newsletter is out and this one is even better than the first. This one catered for a competition with a sought after prize for the winner. If you require a copy, drop an e-mail to [email protected] and he will make sure that you receive a copy every time a new one comes out.
The first site visit is also something of the past. Thanks to SAB for sending them home in one piece with some knowledge of the good old skill of brewing a good South African beer. Those who could find some spare time in their very busy days relate fond memories of that visit. This is again an experience that will not be forgotten soon. Unfortunately the BMW visit had to be postponed, but as they say, watch this space for the next surprise to come.
Our by now most famous golf day is on track. Sorry for the latecomers - we are fully booked six weeks before the event is to take place. With 36 four balls, 10 waterholes and a roving water car, this day already promises to be a huge success again. Maybe next year we must sell tickets for spectators as well to ensure our sponsors get even more exposure on the day and make it even more worth their while. That is what you will call value for money. Imagine seeing over 200 of your end-user customers in one day at a fraction of the cost - and meeting potential new customers.
Alpret hosted and sponsored this month's technological evening with an outstanding presentation on conductivity measurement. Always ensure that you use the right tools for the job: the fish you catch might be bigger than you estimated. Before judging make sure you are aware of all facts. These nights are becoming just as popular as our golf day and although the winter is biting the turnout is making it well worth the while.
Witbank sub-branch
As promised the Witbank sub-Branch held their AGM and elected their new committee for 2004. These guys are eager to get on with establishing this branch now. They will need their members in the area to support them with their new initiatives and ideas for providing their needs.
The new committee and their contact detail are as follows:
The request for assistance from the Secunda branch was answered when the committee members from Secunda promised them guidance and presence at all their meetings. Supplytech was thanked for its support in offering its venue to the SAIMC, at no cost for the branch and committee meetings, of the Witbank sub-Branch.
The first goal will be to double the attendance at every meeting for the rest of the year and thereafter to keep the figures at a minimum of 30 people at every meeting. When they meet next time they will set some more goals which they will communicate to us in due time.
If you want to be part of a winning team get in touch with the best join the SAIMC.
If you do not know it, we need you as much as you need us.
The Secunda Branch: We have the vision, skills and commitment to be the power of the future. Do not delay. Sign up with the best.
Piet van Rensberg, Secunda Branch, [email protected]
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