From the president's desk

SAIMC

IBG - SA Instrumentation & Control Buyers' Guide

August 2006 SAIMC

I have just read a book. That is correct, I admit that I have turned the pages of a book without a mouse or any other paraphernalia associated with the newest hardware or software available. The book has some interesting observations about hedgehogs, foxes and their personal habits, alluding to the conduct of businesses. We have all been there before, sometimes the fox is the hero, then it is the hedgehog. What made me think was the suggestion for companies to figure out what they are doing better than anybody else is.

Vivian MacFadyen – president

Therefore, the obvious question came to mind. "What is the SAIMC good at?"

I am not downplaying the little excellent work of the councillors who very effectively manage to hold the organisation together, but the branches do an incredible job of making the branch meetings for members enjoyable. In fact, the members are willing to brave the traffic for hours and sit in a cold conference room, all in their own time to attend these events. The branch committees are the key to what we do best.

Having served on the Johannesburg committee for a number of years, I fully understand the effort and anguish experienced when organising branch meetings. There is a lot of behind the scenes activity necessary to have a successful meeting.

* Firstly, the branch has to raise funds to finance the meeting because the contribution provided by a sponsor seldom covers the bills.

* Secondly, a subject has to be chosen that will interest the members, and hopefully, be of benefit to them.

* Then the task is to find a speaker and sponsor who will assist with the expenses for relatively little return in publicity.

* The venue needs reservation, snacks and refreshments arranged, and notices sent to all members and interested parties associating with that branch.

* On the evening of the meeting, the venue needs to be arranged, equipment checked and fears regarding non-attendance of speaker and audience suppressed. Audio visual presentations are good, but what if the projection lamp fails?

* When it is all over, they have to start all over again.

This, together with the organisation of sporting and social events, site visits, the branch councils are doing a fantastic job - they do what we do well, and we all need to give them the acclamation that they deserve.

Currently you will find branches or sub-branches in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Sasolburg, Secunda and Zambia

Well done to all the branch committees, keep up the excellent work of providing for the members by channelling your enthusiasm to achieve a common goal. Your voluntary work has made this organisation great and sustainable by you supporting a vocation that has provided to your welfare.

For more information contact SAIMC, 0861 0 SAIMC(72462), [email protected], www.saimc.org.za/

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From the president's desk

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