______ Gary Campbell ____ ISA District 11 Vice President Elect

The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful – 2011 Fall Leaders Meeting

ISA District 11 DVP-elect – Gary Campbell (10-29-2011)

2011 FLM Editorial:

The beautiful – Hospitality and weather were the eclipse of the 2011 FLM. People in the relatively small town of Mobile were out-of-the-way friendly and hospitable. Sunshine and mid 70’s with a slight breeze, it was very nice. 

The Good and the Bad – The most prolific and discussed issue throughout the conference was addressed during the Council of Section Delegates. The issue of Society restructure proposed by committee was going downhill, as presentation of a “market-focused” model driven by consultants, to seemingly make ISA a marketing organization, rather than member-focused and member-driven organization. The original motion was rewritten prior to the meeting as, “Do you think the society should change?” Of course ISA needs to change, we all believe this, but in a way that increases relevance and benefit to ISA members. Result of this motion was it did not get voted on, but rather “referred to committee”, requiring a vertical representative committee, ranging from section leaders to society administration.  

My opinion is that this will turn us in the right direction, rather than the top-down approach. If you have ideas for ISA restructuring, or care greatly about the direction our society is heading, volunteer by contacting DVP11 Brad Rupert, as the committee is being assimilated as I write this. Let your thoughts be heard about direction for your society governance, even if you don’t volunteer for a position in this very important role. 

My surprise was a motion to add membership for Automation Federation partners to receive membership to ISA with limited benefits. The clear intent of this move is to grow membership numbers. I feel this is giving FA partner members ISA benefits, without adding the same benefit to our members in joining other societies at half cost, as well, or reciprocity agreements for our members to also join the partner associations (ASME, etc) I just had to get up and speak during the CSD meeting about reciprocity agreements to allow ISA members the same privilege before agreeing with this motion. This motion passed.  

Feel free to contact me via email with any society questions and/or concerns. I will do my best to get answers or support your way in service to the members of District 11, my role as DVP-11 officially starts in January 2012. I was also privileged to be voted in as one of the six DVP representatives to sit on the Society Executive board. Email me at GCampbellISA@cox.net 

Sincerely,
Gary Campbell
(Gcampbellisa@cox.net)