CHANNEL ISLANDS SECTION

MARCH/APRIL/MAY 1999 NEWSLETTER

Inside this issue:  

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Suddenly June is here, and our last newsletter mailed in February! I apologize for the lag. After a most promising start to our ASME year last fall, we experienced consecutive event cancellations. I decided to delay printing until we had an event to announce. Now, at the end of our section’s year, I look forward to seeing you at our last event, a tour of Vitesse.

As usual, in the summer months our section will be idle. I am pleased to announce that we have identified the Executive Committee that will lead the resumption of activities next fall. Enjoy your summer everyone!

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TOUR: VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR

PROGRAM

 Tour of local semiconductor manufacturing facility

DATE

 Tuesday, 8 June 1999
TIME Assemble in from lobby at 6:50 pm

Program begins at 7:00 pm.  Lasts approximately one hour

LOCATION Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation

741 Calle Plano, Camarillo

805.388.8700

COST Free

Since 1984 Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation has been manufacturing integrated circuits for the most demanding applications. Their high performance, high bandwidth chips operate telecommunications systems all over the world. Vitesse’s corporate headquarters in Camarillo serves as both a design and manufacturing center.

Vitesse has generously offered to host a tour of their facility for the Channel Islands Section. This is an excellent opportunity to witness the steps involved in producing the cutting-edge computer chips driving today’s Information Age.

PLEASE NOTE: This event is only about a week away!

If you plan to attend, please notify Kevin Manning as soon as possible. Contact him by phone at 310.457.3881 or 818.874.7119, or send e-mail to kevinmanning@asme.org.

To learn more about Vitesse check their website at:

http://www.asme.org/sections/channel_is/newsletters/99_05/www.vitesse.com

MAP: VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR

NORTH- OR SOUTH-BOUND 101

Exit Pleasant Valley/Santa Rosa Road

Turn south onto Pleasant Valley

Left onto Pancho Road

Left onto Calle Alto, right onto Calle Plano

Vitesse is second building on right

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RAC ’99 REPORT

By: Eric Kong

The 1999 ASME Regional Administrative Conference (RAC) for Region IX was held May 1-2 in North Hollywood. Dale Lemon and I represented the Channel Islands Section.

Saturday morning, just preceding the onset of the official RAC agenda, attendees were offered a leadership-training workshop. Videos and exercises were provided to enhance trainees’ understanding of the materials. Four different leadership styles and a variety of team-building techniques were presented and explained. The knowledge presented in this workshop is applicable not only to leading an ASME section committee but also to leadership in the workplace.

The RAC began with a welcoming remark by Alex Marr and a game that tested members’ knowledge of ASME history. ASME International presentations followed, conducted by the Region IX vice president, the board of governors, 4 of the councils, and the executive director. In the late afternoon, different regional councils and committees presented their reports and progress. In the early evening a reception provided an opportunity to interact with other members, including high-level ASME officers. An awards dinner followed the reception.

The second day started with each section reporting on its past year. Some reports included valuable advice. For example, new section committee members, eager to make a difference, may be prone to set goals too high. Eventually, these members are frustrated and discouraged. More realistic goals can prove more rewarding.

After the section reports, a section operational workshop provided an opportunity for open discussion. Then, an operating committee forum was offered at the end of the conference. This forum provided valuable knowledge such as how to interact with local high schools and how to organize an industry breakfast.

By attending the RAC, I:

I had always wanted to participate in ASME but was afraid of unknown expectations, responsibilities, and the impacts of my actions. The RAC provided me with a clearer understanding of ASME operations. I hope I can apply the tools and skills that I learned, and I am grateful to have met the individuals committed to making a difference through ASME. Attending the RAC made me proud to be a member of ASME, and motivated me to be part of the Channel Island Section Executive Committee. The experience convinced me that now is the time to get really involved.

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NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK

On February 24 engineers and their guests celebrated National Engineers Week at the Embassy Suites Resort in Oxnard. The evening’s program included live music, dinner, awards presentations, two guest speakers, and ample door prizes.

Dr. Lorne G. Everett of UCSB followed the awards presentations with a lively and engaging discussion of "Worldwide Environmental Perspectives". His fast-paced presentation touched on a wide variety of environmental issues and stressed the need for continued environmental vigilance.

The second guest speaker, David J. Swann of ESRI, Inc., described the current state and future implications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A GIS is a system for computer-based management and application of spatial data. For example, websites that provide door-to-door directions use a GIS.

Engineers from many different disciplines and societies attended the banquet. The ASME Channel Islands section partially filled one table with a half-dozen members and guests.

Here is a quick recap of the award winners:

Projects of the Year

Scholarship Recipients

Engineer of the Year Teacher Recognition

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ASME AT MATHCOUNTS

Saturday morning, February 27, three Channel Islands Section members participated in support of the annual nationwide MATHCOUNTS competition. At the local preliminaries, students representing 13 local middle schools competed as individuals and teams at Anacapa Middle School in Ventura.

Volunteers graded competitors’ work (answer keys provided), proctored the competition, and contributed to the fostering of math appreciation and achievement among local youth.

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MEMBER-GET-A-SOGÒ PARATOOLÒ

ASME’s "Member-Get-A-Member" (MGAM) program offers several different rewards for sponsors of new members. These include eligibility for prize drawings, special MGAM dollars that can be applied to ASME fees, and cash rewards for top recruiters. Maybe the most tangible reward is the SOG Paratool:

Awarded to anyone who sponsors just 2 new members, the Paratool is also relatively easy to obtain. This American-made multi-tool includes over a dozen functions and retails for around $60. Find a couple new members, include your name and membership number on their application in the space provided, and take advantage of this great deal!

Act fast – this year’s MGAM program ends June 15!

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ASME OFFICER NOMINATIONS

On the national level, ASME is looking for its next group of leaders. The future success of ASME depends on the effective utilization of the knowledge and abilities of its members. If ASME is to improve or refine its present programs, members must continue to identify new officers who are capable, dedicated individuals with exceptional leadership qualities.

The 1999 Nominating Committee, consisting of 38 voting members, urges you to submit your nominations for officers now. As part of the selection process, the Committee will study each of the nominations and will interview the proposed nominees and their supporters.

The Nominating Committee will select a total of 17 officers:

If you are interested in submitting a nomination for any of the above elective offices, please contact Lilia Sanchez at 408.554.4965 or lsanchez@scuacc.scu.edu. To obtain the nomination package contact Gilda Melhaoui at 212.591.7736 or melhaouig@asme.org. The package is also available at:

http://www.asme.org/sections/channel_is/newsletters/99_05/www.asme.org

The Nominating Committee will meet during the Summer Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, June 6-10, to select nominees. The names of those selected will be appear on the officer election proxy which will be distributed to members in September.

Please take a moment to consider nominating the exceptional leaders in your midst. Your nomination could shape the future of ASME.

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EVENT CANCELLATIONS

Unfortunately, both the March and April planned events were postponed indefinitely. In March we had planned to tour Vortech Engineering’s new facility in Oxnard. However, the company’s move was delayed.

In April we expected guest speaker Alex d’Arbeloff. Late changes in Mr. d’Arbeloff’s busy schedule led to the postponement of his appearance.

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VALENTINE CUBE CONTEST RESULTS

Congratulations to Phillip Young, the winner of our Valentine’s Day puzzle from the January-February newsletter. For his cubic cleverness, Phillip wins 4 free movie tickets. Here is Phillip’s winning sketch of the cube’s mystery face:

Phillip’s sketch was randomly selected from a group consisting of 6 correct entries. Kemal Atesmen, Dennis Dick, Peggy Hoge, Eric Kong, and Dennis Wassung also submitted correct entries, but did not win the drawing. John Segerstrom submitted a correct entry but missed the March 1 deadline. Thanks to everyone who submitted entries. We appreciate your participation, and better luck next time!

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This July in San Francisco, ASME will offer a number of courses from its Professional Development series:

To register or for more information contact Shari Romar at 212.591.7902 or romars@asme.org.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1999-2000

Congratulations to the members of the Executive Committee that will lead your Channel Islands Section into the next millennium. Your dedicated volunteers for the upcoming year are

Special thanks to Bob Morris for his dedicated service. Bob is retiring after 6 consecutive years as Treasurer, in addition to prior years served as Secretary and Chair. Welcome to Marna Kagele, who is transferring from the San Fernando Valley Section to contribute here. After the traditional summer recess, your new committee will take the reigns in early autumn.

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Last updated: 14 August 1999

Web Master: John Fishpaw, fish0010@email.msn.com