It takes a great deal of effort to make an SME chapter successful. What is the definition of chapter success? While this means different things to different people, we have to look at what SME states about its purpose. Through its many programs and activities, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning all manufacturing industries and disciplines, plus the key areas of aerospace and defense, medical device, motorized vehciles and alternative energy. Our local chapter's ability to both link members together and to disseminate knowledge can be considered one measure of success. These can be facilitated by effective communication, interaction with local manufacturing, leadership development and best practices. There are four categories for success, as identified by the Chapter Enhancement Committee. Success in each category is determined by information gathered from the Member Unit Assessment Guide (MUAG), formerly called the Chapter Planning and Assessment Guide (CPAG):
- Professional development, which includes not simply the number and quality of meetings held by the chapter, but how leaders are developed to continue the work of the chapter
- Communication to members and the community through passive (up-to-date website or social media page) and active means (email blasts, bulletins, phone calls)
- Advancement of manufacturing, including interaction with other chapters and community outreach
- Merit, such as submitting a best practice and net membership numbers
The four awards to be given out are:
Chapters submitting their MUAGs after the due date are not eligible for an award. Recognition will consist of an emblem for chapter websites, certificate, write-up in the member newsletter and a press release to the local media covering the local chapter area. Chapters receiving awards will also have their designation indicated on the SME website. To ensure your chapter will not be left out, please use the MUAG and SME's Plan 2012 to help plan for your chapter's success.