A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

The good news is that we are finally coming into spring. The bad news is that there are only three more company visits left. The March tour is at MEDRAD Interventional/Possis and the April tour is planned for the High Bridge generating plant pending final approval. We are in the planning phase of another technical presentation for the spring. 

The executive committee strives to offer opportunities for professional development and has received very positive feedback on the technical seminars offered in the past. As such, we will endeavor to offer more in the future. The model has been to locate an individual that is well versed in a subject that is willing to put forth the effort to share the subject matter with the membership. It is a meaningful experience; especially the ensuing technical discussion at the end of the presentation.

The model that is most favorable is a four hour venue comprised of two speakers with dinner in between. A power point presentation on a subject that one is knowledgeable in is not too tough to pull together and the presentation is one of sharing information with colleagues. It does not have to be a polished professional presentation but rather one of technical information.

We are an organization of folks that embrace technology and the opportunity to share that interest with others of a common ilk. Presenting one’s area of expertise to an appreciative audience is a most rewarding experience. It is our sincere desire to continue to offer such seminars in the future and therefore are appealing to the organization for volunteer speakers. I would hope that we are able to continue the momentum in professional development. For PE’s, the time spent in preparation for the presentation count towards the continuing education requirements of licensure. If you are so inclined to participate, contact me, Bob Diesch ( bob@etestinc.com ) or any of the EC members. Thanks!

The Annual Engineers Week and Awards Banquet was held on 2/19/10 at the Arboretum. Our young engineer of the year nominee, Andrew Johnson, made a great entry but was bested by Chantill Kahler Royer PE nominated by MSPE. Chantill who works in the civil engineering realm, is active in MSPE as well as in the community of Mankato. Andy’s credentials are most impressive with very successful new product development experience, leadership of award winning designs, and participation on the industry standards committee. He is active in MSPE as well as serving as ASME secretary. It was an enjoyable event with a chance for good discussions with other professional societies. Our dinner table did not lack for good discussion/debate the entire evening.

E-Week is wrapping up this week with ASME taking a large voluntary role in the annual program put on by The Works ( www.theworks.org ) whereby kids and parents are introduced to concepts in various engineering fields: Traffic Engineering- U of M - ITS Institute Rube Goldberg machines, Aerospace Engineering Straw Rockets, Electrical Engineering– Circuit Play Paper Engineering– Making Paper, Mechanical Engineering– Crazy Cars and Robots and Gears. The support comes from both the ASME student chapter as well as the professional chapter.

Best regards,

Bob