SPECSheet
Society of Plastics Engineers / Cleveland Section
VOL 66 NO 1
Cleveland SPE Members,
Welcome to the 2020-2021 Cleveland SPE Section season!
It is my privilege to serve as the Cleveland Section President for 2020-2021. I continue to serve on the Injection Molding Division’s Board of Directors. Through the years, I served as ANTEC TPC, Division Chair (two terms) and Division Councilor (two terms, six years). I look forward to working this season on program collaboration opportunities not only with the Injection Molding Division, but also other SPE Divisions, SPE HQ and the SPE Akron Section.
Earlier this month, we sent all of you a survey regarding section programming in consideration of the COVID pandemic. Thanks to those of you who participated in our survey. Based upon your responses, we are planning some exciting webinars and other virtual events with industry experts for your information and enrichment. We also look forward to supporting and interacting with our local student chapters.
I look forward to working with all of you and appreciate your continued feedback and participation in the SPE Cleveland Section.
In Attendance (all via teleconference):
D. Meade, S. Montgomery (President), R. Raleigh ( Education), T. Waddle (Membership), J. Sovis (Treasurer), G. Zhang (Communications / Newsletter), R. Opalko (Secretary), D. Crist (House)
Treasurer:
J. Sovis submitted a financial report and a proposed budget for 2020-2021 to the Board prior to the meeting. Both bonds have matured, so the Board voted and approved to have one converted into cash, and the other reinvested @ 0.15% for 2 yr. term. The Board reviewed the proposed budget, and this spurred some discussion on income from tours, presentations, etc. The Board voted and approved the proposed budget with the understanding that under COVID-19, there probably will be some adjustments.
Membership:
T. Waddle submitted a report prior to the meeting and noted that we suffered a loss of 20 members since May 2020. R. Raleigh suggested that the student loss was due to the uncertainty of his/her future. Professional member loss probably due to the loss of the rebate to attend VinylTech, etc., which were not held this year. S. Montgomery reported that the Injection Molding Div. suffered even higher losses.
Communications / Newsletter:
G. Zhang has received all the transition information from C. Potter.
Education:
R. Raleigh reported that PlastiVan is in doubt for 2021. He has had no contact with the CASE student chapter. The Science Fair is in question for 2021, but we will not know for sure until later this year.
The Board decided to table discussion of the scholarship award until the October meeting.
Technical Programs:
S. Montgomery proposed that we plan on holding virtual tours / meetings. If we use the SPE platform, which is extremely effective at getting attendees, we would have to split the proceeds 50/50. For virtual tours, the Board discussed asking companies to present the tour (hopefully something beyond what is freely posted on the company website) and take Q&A. For presentations, S. Montgomery solicited Board members to present; R. Opalko volunteered a presentation and suggested that this was a good time to get industry experts across the USA to present. The Board recognized that we have to target this to the audience, so R. Raleigh and G. Zhang will send out a survey to determine price point, time of day, etc. that best suits the membership. Board members were encouraged to quickly send prospective survey questions to R. Raleigh.
Counselor:
D. Meade sent out a summary prior to the meeting. At the Councilor’s meeting, there was a lot of discussion about the SPE mission statement including a goal of sustainability. Although a sustainability message is very important to young members, is it the responsibility of the SPE? The final mission statement should be out 9-25-20.
New Business:
S. Montgomery asked about the relationship between the Cleveland and Akron Sections of the SPE as background information.
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