SME Board of Directors continues to support manufacturers.
Press Release Summary:
While federal stimulus package was working its way through Congress, SME Board of Directors met to discuss state of economy and how SME can best supports its members and manufacturing industry. Board approved special discounted membership rate for those displaced workers in need of SME's products, services, and networking. Unemployed manufacturing professionals can apply for special rate for 6 month membership with full benefits by contacting SME.
Original Press Release:
During Tough Times, SME Board of Directors Continues to Support Manufacturers
Discounted Rate Offered for Displaced Workers
DEARBORN, Mich., February 23, 2009 -- While the federal stimulus package was working its way through Congress, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers' (SME) Board of Directors met for their first quarter meeting at the Mori Seiki University facility in Rolling Meadows, Ill., to discuss the state of the economy and how SME can best support its members and the manufacturing industry.
"Our consensus is that manufacturers are facing an extended period of time before things get better and our members are being affected by cost cutting and retrenchments," said Richard W. Shoemaker, FSME, 2009 president of the Society and the president/CEO of Concrete Technologies Worldwide. "SME has its own economic reality but the Board is standing behind its mission and will find ways to support the manufacturing community."
So SME's Board, which consists of industry leaders and premier educators, approved a specially discounted membership rate for those displaced workers in particular need of SME's products, services and networking. Unemployed manufacturing professionals can apply for membership with full benefits by contacting SME for a special $30 rate for a six month membership. If still unemployed after that time a subsequent request may be made.
"Providing access to our products, services and knowledge is one of the ways SME can help get manufacturing practitioners back into the workplace," said Shoemaker.
SME Board members want to encourage manufacturing professionals to take advantage of all the Society has to offer. "Whether you're looking for an opportunity to meet with your peers, to discover manufacturing techniques that can save you money, upgrade your skills or even to find a new job, SME has tools to help you through this difficult time," said Shoemaker. SME members can connect to other professionals via their local chapters, technical communities, Lean Registry, at conferences and events.
The SME Board was encouraged by Congressional debate on training and workforce development. "As the premier source for manufacturing knowledge and education, SME and the SME Education Foundation are pleased to see attention focused on education and worker training," said Shoemaker. "We are hopeful for a speedy recovery but also prepared to aide and add value to our membership through this crisis."
To apply for the displaced worker membership rate, contact SME at 1.800.733.4763 or at service@sme.org. This rate is available to new and renewing memberships only.
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About SME:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs, events and activities, 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, motor vehicles, including motorsports, and oil and gas. A 501(c)3 organization, SME has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of technical communities and chapters worldwide.
